Airport Passenger Boarding Bridges Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Type (Movable Passenger Boarding Bridge, Fixed Passenger Boarding Bridge), By Model (Apron Drive Bridge, Dual Boarding Bridge System, Commuter Bridge, Over-the-wing Bridge, Nose-loader Bridge, T-bridge), By Region, By Competition, 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 2.25 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	5.09%
Fastest Growing Segment	Dual Boarding Bridge System
Largest Market	North America
Market Size (2031)	USD 3.03 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Airport Passenger Boarding Bridges Market will grow from USD 2.25 Billion in 2025 to USD 3.03 Billion by 2031 at a 5.09% CAGR. Airport Passenger Boarding Bridges are enclosed, movable connectors that extend from an airport terminal gate to an aircraft, ensuring safe and weather-protected passenger transfer. The market is primarily supported by the substantial resurgence in global air travel, which necessitates efficient passenger processing and reduced aircraft turnaround times to manage congestion. Additionally, extensive airport infrastructure modernization projects designed to accommodate increased flight frequencies and larger aircraft fleets are bolstering demand. According to the 'International Air Transport Association', in '2025', 'total global passenger traffic for 2024 increased by 10.4 percent compared to the previous year'.

One significant challenge impeding market expansion is the high capital expenditure associated with the installation and lifecycle maintenance of these complex systems. The substantial costs required for procurement and rigorous safety upkeep can be prohibitive for smaller regional airports with constrained budgets. Consequently, these financial barriers may delay infrastructure upgrades in cost-sensitive markets and limit the deployment of boarding bridges in developing regions.

Key Market Drivers

The proliferation of greenfield airport construction projects and the extensive modernization of aging terminal infrastructure are primary catalysts propelling the Global Airport Passenger Boarding Bridges Market. As aviation hubs globally expand capacity to handle rising passenger volumes, the installation of advanced boarding infrastructure becomes essential to ensure seamless terminal-to-aircraft connectivity. This wave of infrastructure development is directly translating into large-scale procurement orders for new equipment. According to TK Elevator, May 2025, in the 'TK Elevator secures major contract for Kuwait International Airport's Development' press release, the company was awarded a strategic contract to supply and install 55 custom-designed passenger boarding bridges for the airport's new Terminal 2, underscoring the scale of demand generated by these mega-projects.

Simultaneously, the adoption of fully automated and intelligent docking systems is revolutionizing market standards by addressing the critical need for operational efficiency and reduced aircraft turnaround times. Airports are increasingly integrating smart technologies that allow for remote operation and precise docking, thereby minimizing human error and enhancing safety on the apron. A notable advancement in this domain was highlighted when, according to TK Elevator, October 2025, in the 'TK Elevator showcases fully automated, remotely controlled passenger boarding bridges live at inter airport Europe 2025 in Munich' press release, the firm successfully demonstrated its MAX Automate system controlling a bridge in Spain from a distance of over 1,700 kilometers. Broadly supporting these technological and infrastructural investments is the sector's improved financial health; according to ACI World, in April 2025, global airport revenues reached US$146 billion for the 2023 fiscal year, providing the necessary capital for such extensive equipment upgrades.

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Key Market Challenges

High capital expenditure associated with the procurement and lifecycle maintenance of passenger boarding bridges significantly restricts market growth. These systems require substantial initial investment for installation, along with ongoing funding for rigorous safety inspections and technical upkeep. This financial burden is particularly acute for regional and smaller airports, which often operate with limited budgets and cannot justify the return on investment compared to traditional ground boarding methods. Consequently, these cost barriers compel many facility operators to defer infrastructure upgrades, thereby limiting the total addressable market for manufacturers.

The impact of these financial constraints is evident in the intense competition for available infrastructure funding. When airports face strict budget limitations, expensive apron equipment is frequently deprioritized in favor of essential structural repairs. According to 'Airports Council International', in '2024', 'the global airport sector faces a total capital expenditure need of USD 2.4 trillion by 2040 to address capacity and infrastructure requirements'. This magnitude of required investment underscores the financial pressure on operators, causing delays in the deployment of boarding bridges in developing and cost-sensitive markets.

Key Market Trends

The transition from steel to glass-walled bridge structures is a prominent trend driven by the demand for enhanced passenger experience and improved terminal aesthetics. Unlike traditional enclosed steel tunnels, glass-walled bridges provide travelers with panoramic views of the apron and natural lighting, significantly reducing the sensation of claustrophobia during boarding. This aesthetic shift is increasingly prioritized in terminal upgrades to align with contemporary architectural standards and improve energy efficiency through better insulation technologies. For instance, according to Curaçao Airport Partners, September 2025, in the 'CUR elevates travel with two new passenger boarding bridges' press release, the airport operator purchased two new glass-walled bridges as part of a strategic initiative to replace and upgrade its entire fleet of existing units by 2027, highlighting the sector's move toward visually open designs.

Simultaneously, the incorporation of eco-friendly Pre-Conditioned Air (PCA) units is accelerating to meet stringent environmental sustainability targets. By integrating these systems directly with boarding bridges, airports can supply parked aircraft with temperature-controlled air, eliminating the need for fuel-burning auxiliary power units that generate significant carbon emissions. This focus on decarbonizing apron operations is generating substantial demand for integrated service solutions and green support equipment. A notable example of this demand occurred when, according to TK Elevator, March 2025, in the 'TKE Secures Major PBB Service Contract With DXB' press release, the company secured a ten-year agreement to service and maintain 152 passenger boarding bridges and their associated pre-conditioned air units at Dubai International Airport, underscoring the critical role of sustainable infrastructure in global aviation hubs.

Segmental Insights

The Dual Boarding Bridge System has emerged as the fastest-growing segment in the Global Airport Passenger Boarding Bridges Market due to the rising prevalence of wide-body aircraft at international hubs. These systems allow simultaneous connection to multiple aircraft doors, which significantly reduces boarding and deplaning times compared to single-bridge units. This capability is essential for minimizing aircraft turnaround times, a key operational metric monitored by industry organizations like the International Air Transport Association. Consequently, airport operators are increasingly investing in these dual configurations to manage higher passenger densities effectively while maintaining operational fluidity.

Regional Insights

North America maintains a leading position in the Global Airport Passenger Boarding Bridges Market, driven by its extensive network of established airports and high passenger volumes. The region’s dominance is underpinned by significant investments in terminal modernization projects designed to improve operational efficiency and passenger flow. Support from the Federal Aviation Administration, through infrastructure improvement grants, plays a critical role in funding the replacement and upgrade of aging boarding bridge systems. Additionally, strict adherence to safety and accessibility regulations compels airports across the United States and Canada to consistently adopt compliant and reliable boarding solutions.

Recent Developments

• In May 2025, TK Elevator secured a major contract to supply, install, and maintain 55 passenger boarding bridges for the new Terminal 2 at Kuwait International Airport. This project, classified as Package No. 3, requires the provision of custom-engineered bridges featuring a modern glass and steel design capable of docking with a wide range of aircraft, including the Airbus A380. The agreement includes a comprehensive two-year maintenance plan to ensure operational reliability. This collaboration reinforces the company's strong presence in the Middle East and supports the airport's strategic goal of expanding its capacity to 25 million passengers annually.
• In April 2025, Oshkosh AeroTech completed the installation of three new Jetway passenger boarding bridges at Appleton International Airport in the United States. This infrastructure upgrade was part of a broader terminal expansion project designed to accommodate rising passenger demand and was unveiled shortly before a major regional event. The new bridges are equipped with advanced pre-conditioned air units and ground power systems, enhancing environmental performance and passenger comfort. Executives noted that the equipment was engineered to withstand the region's challenging weather conditions while optimizing aircraft turnaround times and improving the overall travel experience.
• In September 2024, CIMC Tianda completed the delivery and installation of four new passenger boarding bridges at Keflavík Airport in Iceland. These units were connected to two newly constructed towers in the airport's east wing as part of a Multiple Aircraft Ramp System, which allows flexible service for either one large aircraft or two smaller ones simultaneously. The delivery process involved a significant logistical detour around the Cape of Good Hope due to shipping disruptions in the Red Sea. The successful installation of these bridges significantly increased the airport's capacity and operational efficiency for handling international passenger traffic.
• In August 2024, ShinMaywa Industries, Ltd. expanded its aviation product lineup by launching a new "Barrier-free type" passenger boarding bridge. This innovative bridge was designed to enhance universal design at airports, featuring a significantly gentler ramp slope for the tunnel expansion joint compared to standard models. The company also minimized the width of the exposed gutter in the passageway to improve safety for wheelchair users and pedestrians. This development aligns with national guidelines for barrier-free passenger facilities, aiming to provide a safer and more comfortable boarding experience for all travelers while maintaining cost efficiency for operators.

Key Market Players

• Adelte Group S.L.
• CIMC-TianDa Holdings Company Limited
• Thyssenkrupp AG
• HÜBNER GmbH & Co. KG
• John Bean Technologies Corporation
• Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
• ShinMaywa Industries, Ltd.
• Aviramp Ltd
• PT Bukaka Teknik Utama Tbk
• UBS Airport Systems

By Type	By Model	By Region
Movable Passenger Boarding Bridge Fixed Passenger Boarding Bridge	Apron Drive Bridge Dual Boarding Bridge System Commuter Bridge Over-the-wing Bridge Nose-loader Bridge T-bridge	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Airport Passenger Boarding Bridges Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Airport Passenger Boarding Bridges Market, By Type:

• Movable Passenger Boarding Bridge
• Fixed Passenger Boarding Bridge

• Airport Passenger Boarding Bridges Market, By Model:

• Apron Drive Bridge
• Dual Boarding Bridge System
• Commuter Bridge
• Over-the-wing Bridge
• Nose-loader Bridge
• T-bridge

• Airport Passenger Boarding Bridges Market, By Region:

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Germany
• Spain
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE