Away with "people-transporting treadmills" from airports. Removed even if they work: here's why

They are convenient for those traveling with heavy or bulky suitcases but also for those who are slow walkers. People conveyor belts-the so-called moving walkways o treadmill - While they are good for passengers, they are also A real bad thing for airport business.

That is why at some airports they are removed even if fully functional, and in others not even built anymore. In many new terminal in fact do not exist, and if they exist they are never found near stores, bars, or other points for the shopping.

La removal of treadmill is becoming a trend, especially in the last period. As also explained on One Mile at a Time, a U.S. aviation travel site and points, this operation that is happening at airports is no accident, but has a very specific reason behind it.

Airports are commercial activities, and they gain in two main ways: aircraft-related fees (landing fees, gate fees, etc.), and then all other revenue opportunities, including airport concessions.

The removal or non-design of treadmill it doesn't happen in all airports, of course, but in most it does and it all depends on how these are monetized. In general, an airport operator's goal. Is not to get you to your gate as quickly as possible, but that of Monetize your trip between your arrival at the airport and the gate as much as possible.

After all, the more money you spend, the more money they can charge in rent (and often airports also get a percentage of the revenue generated). So, when you go through security and first have to go through a route duty free, it is not a coincidence.

The same goes for the lack of treadmill. Treadmills are bad for business because they do not have many exit points, so they reduce foot traffic for businesses. Maybe you are on a long treadmill and see a store or café that you would visit if you could easily access it just by stopping, but you don't want to go back a long distance to get there.

At modern airports, the treadmill, almost always have no stores around them. For example, at some of the best airports in the world, such as Hong Kong (HKG) e Doha (DOH), there are many treadmill, but never with neighboring businesses. Instead, stores and eateries are largely clustered around the end of the treadmill And train stops.

As well as the treadmill prevent people from visiting certain businesses, somehow also alter the general directional flow of passengers, and make it more difficult to pass others when walking.