US Airports Prepping for Back-to-Back Mega Events
To meet this challenge head-on and ensure smooth operations, more airport operators are turning to data-driven solutions. By implementing these systems now, airports can effectively manage the increased demand not just during these major events, but for the long-term future.
Managing Passenger Flow for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Olympics
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, will be the largest in history, with 60 of the 80 matches held in the U.S. It is expected to attract around 5 million visitors, many of whom will travel through airports across the U.S. From major hubs to smaller terminals, the task of managing both domestic and international passengers will be a significant challenge—especially at airports already operating at near full capacity.
To overcome this, airports are increasingly relying on real-time data to optimize critical processes like check-in, security, and immigration. Airports already using these solutions are expanding their coverage to prepare for the World Cup, while those new to data-driven systems are quickly looking to adopt technology that can reduce wait times and improve the travel experience for both passengers and airport staff.
Just two years later, Los Angeles will host the 2028 Summer Olympics, drawing an estimated 15 million visitors. With LAX already one of the busiest airports globally, the pressure will only intensify. To keep service levels high and passenger satisfaction intact, accurate, real-time passenger flow data is essential. This data helps airports improve flow patterns, and deploy additional resources when needed, ensuring smoother operations. Moreover, real-time updates for passengers can ease navigation and minimize congestion.
Capitalize on Revenue Opportunities
Beyond managing passenger flows, airports face a significant opportunity to boost non-aeronautical revenue. Retail, dining, and entertainment services are highly profitable during peak travel periods, and major events like the World Cup and Olympics amplify these opportunities as passengers tend to spend more time in terminals.
But these revenue opportunities can quickly diminish if passengers are stuck in long lines. Research shows that for every additional ten minutes spent waiting in line, passenger spending drops by 30%. This means airports must prioritize reducing wait times, especially in security and other bottlenecks, to ensure passengers have enough time to shop, dine, and enjoy their surroundings. Maximizing this commercial potential is crucial for airport operators looking to enhance both passenger satisfaction and profitability.
Future-Proof Airports with Xovis
Xovis' data-driven solutions offer airport operators the flexibility they need to adapt to changing travel patterns—whether driven by major sporting events or seasonal surges. With real-time insights, airports can make fast, informed decisions that alleviate congestion, improve wait times, and ensure passengers spend more time enjoying retail and dining options, rather than waiting in line.
Accuracy and reliability are why our solution is used at more than 110 airports, including the main airports for previous Olympic and World Cup hosts. Among them, the Charles de Gaulle airport (CDG) in Paris—host of the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games—and Hamad International Airport in Doha—the primary entry point for visitors to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics are not just challenges—they’re an opportunity for airports to demonstrate their ability to handle large-scale events while maximizing revenue. Xovis’ technology will empower airports to efficiently manage the surge in passenger traffic and continue optimizing their systems for years to come.
Moreover, the innovations made during these global events will benefit passengers long after the games conclude. By deploying Xovis’ sensor-based solution, airports gain valuable insights into passenger behavior and airport performance. These insights will guide decisions around infrastructure development and system optimization, helping to create more sustainable, responsive, and efficient airport systems moving forward.
Don’t wait for the surge in traffic to catch you by surprise. With Xovis, airports can not only meet the demands of these global events but build a smarter, more efficient system that will serve them for years to come.
Tags: | airports| world cup | olympics 2028 | passengers | traffic | FIFA 2026 |
