Airport Passenger Boarding Bridges Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, 2021-2031

The Global Airport Passenger Boarding Bridges Market is projected to expand from USD 2.25 Billion in 2025 to USD 3.03 Billion by 2031, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 5.09%. These enclosed, movable connectors are vital for connecting terminal gates to aircraft, ensuring passengers transfer safely while protected from the weather. The market is largely driven by a significant rebound in global air travel, which demands faster passenger processing and quicker aircraft turnaround times to alleviate congestion. Furthermore, widespread modernization initiatives aimed at handling higher flight frequencies and larger fleets are fueling demand, a trend supported by data from the 'International Air Transport Association' in '2025', which noted that 'total global passenger traffic for 2024 increased by 10.4 percent compared to the previous year'.

However, market growth faces a notable obstacle in the form of high capital expenditures required for the installation and lifecycle maintenance of these sophisticated systems. The significant costs involved in procurement and strict safety upkeep can be prohibitive for smaller regional airports operating with tighter budgets. Consequently, these financial constraints may postpone infrastructure upgrades in cost-sensitive markets and restrict the adoption of boarding bridges in developing regions.

Market Drivers

The surge in greenfield airport construction and the comprehensive modernization of aging terminals serve as the primary engines driving the Global Airport Passenger Boarding Bridges Market. As aviation hubs worldwide expand their capacity to accommodate growing passenger numbers, installing advanced boarding infrastructure is crucial for maintaining seamless connectivity between terminals and aircraft. This development boom is leading to substantial procurement orders; for example, according to TK Elevator, May 2025, in the 'TK Elevator secures major contract for Kuwait International Airport's Development' press release, the company won a strategic contract to supply and install 55 custom-designed bridges for the new Terminal 2, highlighting the massive demand created by these mega-projects.

Concurrently, the shift toward fully automated and intelligent docking systems is transforming industry standards by targeting operational efficiency and faster turnaround times. Airports are adopting smart technologies that enable remote operations and precise docking to reduce human error and improve apron safety. A key milestone in this area was reported 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 demonstrated its MAX Automate system controlling a bridge in Spain from over 1,700 kilometers away. Underpinning these investments is the improved financial status of the sector; according to ACI World, in April 2025, global airport revenues hit US$146 billion for the 2023 fiscal year, ensuring the capital needed for these upgrades.

Market Challenges

The substantial capital expenditure required for acquiring and maintaining passenger boarding bridges acts as a significant restraint on market growth. These systems demand a heavy initial investment for installation, in addition to continuous funding for rigorous safety inspections and technical maintenance. This financial weight is especially challenging for regional and smaller airports, which often operate on limited budgets and struggle to justify the return on investment compared to using traditional ground boarding methods. As a result, these cost hurdles force many operators to postpone infrastructure improvements, thereby reducing the total addressable market for manufacturers.

The consequences of these financial limitations are visible in the fierce competition for infrastructure funding. When airports confront strict budget constraints, expensive apron equipment is often deprioritized to fund critical 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 enormous investment requirement highlights the fiscal pressure on operators, leading to delays in deploying boarding bridges within developing and cost-sensitive markets.

Market Trends

A significant trend in the market is the shift from steel to glass-walled bridge structures, driven by a desire for a better passenger experience and enhanced terminal aesthetics. Unlike traditional enclosed steel tunnels, glass-walled bridges offer travelers panoramic views of the apron and natural light, which helps alleviate feelings of claustrophobia during boarding. This aesthetic evolution is becoming a priority in terminal upgrades to match modern architectural standards and improve energy efficiency through superior insulation. For instance, according to Curaçao Airport Partners, September 2025, in the 'CUR elevates travel with two new passenger boarding bridges' press release, the airport acquired two new glass-walled bridges as part of a strategic plan to replace its entire existing fleet by 2027, emphasizing the industry's transition toward visually open designs.

Simultaneously, the adoption of eco-friendly Pre-Conditioned Air (PCA) units is gaining momentum to meet strict environmental sustainability goals. By integrating these systems directly into boarding bridges, airports can provide parked aircraft with temperature-controlled air, removing the need for fuel-burning auxiliary power units that produce considerable carbon emissions. This emphasis on decarbonizing apron operations is creating significant demand for integrated service solutions and green support equipment. A prominent example was seen when, according to TK Elevator, March 2025, in the 'TKE Secures Major PBB Service Contract With DXB' press release, the company signed a ten-year agreement to service 152 passenger boarding bridges and their associated PCA units at Dubai International Airport, highlighting the vital role of sustainable infrastructure in major aviation hubs.

Key Players Profiled in the Airport Passenger Boarding Bridges Market

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

Report Scope

In this report, the Global Airport Passenger Boarding Bridges Market has been segmented into the following categories:

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
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• South America
• Middle East & Africa

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Airport Passenger Boarding Bridges Market.

Available Customization

The analyst offers customization according to your specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

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