Excessive noise has long been one of the top complaints among air travelers. From constant public announcements to overlapping gate calls, traditional airport environments are often anything but peaceful. That’s where the Quiet Airport initiative comes in.
This transformative approach to airport communication focuses on reducing unnecessary noise while improving the passenger experience. At the heart of this movement is AtlasIED’s GLOBALCOM®, a powerful audio and messaging platform that makes it all possible.
In this article, we’ll break down what a Quiet Airport is, why it matters, and how GLOBALCOM® supports this growing trend in airport modernization.
What Is a Quiet Airport?
A Quiet Airport is an airport terminal designed to limit excessive public address announcements, creating a calmer and more focused travel environment. Instead of broadcasting every flight update to the entire airport, announcements are localized, automated, and streamlined to reduce noise pollution while ensuring travelers get the information they need.
Key Features of Quiet Airports:
- Fewer, more targeted announcements
- Enhanced wayfinding with digital signage
- Zoned audio systems for localized messaging
- Higher quality sound with improved intelligibility
By reducing audio clutter, quiet airports create a more relaxing environment that benefits both passengers and staff. Passengers and staff aren't experiencing overstimulation which can cause them to "tune out" important messages. A quiet airport provides added insurance that individuals will hear the right message at the right time for better passenger flow, fewer missed flights, and better wayfinding, especially during critical times.
Why Is the Quiet Airport Concept Important?
Noise pollution in airports doesn't just cause temporary discomfort—it can significantly impact the passenger experience, airport accessibility, and operational efficiency.
Top Benefits of Quiet Airport Technology:
- Improved passenger experience
- Reduced travel anxiety and stress
- Better accessibility for travelers with hearing impairments and sensory sensitivities
- More efficient communication during emergencies or delays
In an industry where customer experience directly influences brand perception and airport ratings, adopting a quiet airport model is a strategic win.
How GLOBALCOM® Enables the Quiet Airport Experience
AtlasIED’s GLOBALCOM® is a scalable, network-based platform that modernizes airport communication systems. It enables airports to deliver clear, targeted, and automated audio messages—essential for maintaining a quiet, yet fully informed environment.
1. Zoned and Targeted Announcements
Using IP-based audio zones, GLOBALCOM® allows specific announcements to be played only in relevant areas—like gates, baggage claim, or security checkpoints—minimizing unnecessary noise in unrelated zones.
2. Automated Message Scheduling
GLOBALCOM® automates common announcements (boarding calls, final notices, etc.) with precise scheduling. This reduces the frequency of live pages and creates consistent audio delivery throughout the terminal.
3. Prioritized Communication
In critical moments—like emergency notifications—GLOBALCOM® automatically prioritizes and overrides non-essential messaging, ensuring important updates are heard clearly and immediately.
4. Exceptional Audio Intelligibility
Partnering with AtlasIED’s high-performance speakers and processors, GLOBALCOM® delivers intelligible, evenly distributed sound—a vital feature for eliminating confusion and improving traveler comprehension.
5. Automated Volume Adjustment
Real time analysis in each zone can ensure announcements are played at higher volume during busy times, when ambient noise levels are higher, and adjust back down to lower volume during slow times when less people are in the airport.
Transforming Airport Environments for the Better
A quiet airport isn't just quieter—it's smarter, safer, and more traveler-friendly. By reducing noise pollution and improving communication clarity, airports can boost traveler satisfaction, increase accessibility, and improve operational control.
And with AtlasIED’s GLOBALCOM® platform, implementing quiet airport technology is scalable, customizable, and future-ready.
Learn More About Quiet Airport Technology
Want to explore how GLOBALCOM® can support your airport’s transformation?
👉 Discover AtlasIED's airport solutions
👉 Download the Quiet Airport White Paper