The familiar cacophony of the airport departure lounge – from frantic parents to boarding calls – is being replaced by an eerie quiet at a growing number of terminals across the globe. Welcome to the era of the silent airport, a concept designed to de-stress the travel experience by eliminating public address announcements entirely.
How Do Silent Airports Actually Work?
Instead of relying on speaker systems to inform passengers of gate changes or final boarding calls, silent airports communicate solely through digital means. Crucial flight information is displayed on digital screens, sent directly to your smartphone via airport apps, or delivered as text alerts. The goal is to create a less overwhelming and more calming environment for travellers.
The trend was pioneered by Helsinki Airport in Finland, which adopted the policy specifically to reduce noise pollution from its PA systems. Since then, other major international hubs have followed suit, including Singapore's renowned Changi Airport and the UK's very own London City Airport.
The Public Verdict: Peaceful or Problematic?
According to AviaVox, a company that specialises in automated passenger announcements, these quiet hubs are designed to 'calm the ambience, de-stress passengers and improve passenger flow'. Many travellers and experts agree, citing increased efficiency and a more pleasant atmosphere.
A discussion on Reddit revealed overwhelmingly positive feedback. One user, @fraying_carpet, shared: 'I love silent airports. The constant announcements at non-silent airports continuously distract me, and 99% of the time they’re not relevant to me.' Another user, @funkytimes_07, highlighted the inclusivity benefits for those with auditory sensory issues, a common challenge for people with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).
However, the system is not without its critics. Some passengers worry that the lack of audible alerts increases the risk of missing a flight. Reddit user @BrinaGu3 recounted an uncomfortable experience at Dubai International Airport, where they received a personal phone call while in the toilet, 30 minutes before boarding was scheduled to start. 'I think I would prefer an announcement to a phone call while using the toilet,' they noted.
Official Silent Airports Around the World
The list of official silent airports is expanding and includes several key travel hubs. In the UK, both London City Airport and Bristol Airport have embraced the concept. Other major airports on the list are:
- Barcelona El Prat Airport, Spain
- Eindhoven Airport, Netherlands
- Venice Marco Polo Airport, Italy
- Cape Town International Airport, South Africa
- Dubai International Airport
- Singapore Changi Airport
With the growing popularity of this quiet revolution, some are already wondering if silent flights could be the next logical step in creating a more serene journey from check-in to touchdown.
