Airport Retail Market: Current Analysis and Forecast (2025-2033)
Emphasis on Airport Type (Domestic and International); Product (Liquor and Tobacco, Perfumes and Cosmetics, Fashion and Accessories, Food and Beverages, and Others); Store Type (Duty-Free Retail and Duty-Paid Retail); and Region/Country
Global Airport Retail Market Size & Forecast
The global airport retail market was valued at USD 36,550 million in 2024 and is expected to grow to a strong CAGR of around 9.4% during the forecast period (2025-2033F), owing to the increasing global air passenger traffic, rising demand for duty-free and luxury products, and growing investments in airport infrastructure and retail space optimization.
Airport Retail Market Analysis
Airport retail has been experiencing continuous rapid growth because of the expanding number of people using flight services, a growing per capita income, and changes in consumer trends. The number of people who use airports for business, leisure, and tourism purposes continues to increase, thus offering growth for retailers. Passengers are likely to shop during the time between security screening and boarding and are generally visiting during the end of trips to purchase travel products, gifts, duty-free products, and premium products. Moreover, the trend of impulse buying and convenience shopping, as well as the necessity of acquiring exclusive products that cannot be purchased in the store located in another city, increases the demand for the airport retail market.
Global Airport Retail Market Trends
This section discusses the key market trends that are influencing the various segments of the global airport retail market, as found by our team of research experts.
Increasing Demand for Duty-Free Products
The increasing consciousness regarding duty-free goods is one of the key trends defining the development of the airport retail industry. Tourists prefer buying products in duty-free shops because of perceived quality, tax-free products, and getting branded products at cheaper rates. This is especially seen among international travelers who prefer purchasing at the retail stores that offer cosmetics, perfume and fragrances, alcoholic and tobacco products, electronics, and other products. As consumption is shifting to premium products and customers are seeking exclusive products to make memories out of their shopping experience, the duty-free stores will continue to be a significant source of revenue and an important pillar of the retail market in the airport terminals.
Airport Retail Industry Segmentation
This section provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the global airport retail market report, along with forecasts at the global, regional, and country levels for 2025-2033.
Liquor and Tobacco Segment Dominates the Airport Retail Market.
Based on the product category, the market is segmented into liquor and tobacco, perfumes and cosmetics, fashion and accessories, food and beverages, and others. Among these, the liquor and tobacco sector occupies the largest market share in the airport retail market. This is mainly because many people prefer to purchase duty-free alcoholic and tobacco products as these are cheaper compared to similar products at domestic markets. These products are also highly profitable and are situated in prime retail sites in most of the international airports. However, the Perfumes and Cosmetics segment is expected to show future growth due to increased awareness regarding beauty, the availability of premium products, and the increasing number of women travelers. Consumers purchase cosmetics, perfume, and skincare products at airports because they are most likely to get new and travel-sized products at lower prices in airport stores due to tax exemptions.
The Duty-Free Retail Market Dominates the Airport Retail Market.
Based on the store type category, the global market is categorized into duty-free retail and duty-paid retail. Among these, the duty-free retail market holds the highest market share, as it has massive attractiveness towards the global travelers, where they get tax exemptions on numerous products such as perfumes, wines, tobacco, etc. Duty-free stores are mostly set up in international airports with considerable consumer traffic, such as businessmen and holidaymakers, especially in airports such as those in Dubai, Singapore, and Heathrow. However, the duty-paid retail market is predicted to grow more in the future due to factors such as the rising volume of domestic flights, the opening of new regional airports, and changing preferences of passengers for convenience stores as well as daily commodities.
The North America region holds a significant market share in the Global Airport Retail Market.
North America’s contribution to the global airport retail industry is substantial due to its large amount of airport traffic and modern, developed airports with well-developed retail concepts, and prosperous tourism. For instance, JFK, LAX, and Atlanta airports have lots of luxury and duty-free shops to make sales to both local and international travelers. Another factor that has contributed to its dominance is the region’s well-developed airline industry, consumers’ willingness to spend more on products and services, and focus on the upgrade of the airport’s luxury retail facilities, digital platforms, and other passenger-oriented services. Also, the commitment of airport authorities and global companies working together with them guarantees tactical improvement and revenues, inscribing North America as a world leader.
The U.S. held a Dominant share of the North American Airport Retail Market in 2024
The United States accounted for the largest market share in the airport retail market in North America because of factors such as consumer spending power, greater density of business and leisure travelers, and easy entry of international and domestic key retailers. Also, U.S airports have collaborations with most of the internationally renowned retail and luxury brands, which makes airport shopping more attractive and increases per passenger spending, leading to its highest market share in the North American airport retail market. Moreover, quick customs clearances, airport security, and retail licensing facilitate easy operation and quick introduction of new concepts in airport retailing, leading to significant growth of the airport retail market in this country.
Airport Retail Industry Competitive Landscape
The global airport retail market is competitive, with several global and international market players. The key players are adopting different growth strategies to enhance their market presence, such as partnerships, agreements, collaborations, new retail stores and outlets, geographical expansions, and mergers and acquisitions.
Top Airport Retail Market Companies
Some of the major players in the market are Avolta AG, Dubai Duty Free, Airport Retail Group, LLC, Duty Free Americas, Inc., Flemingo International, Gebr. Heinemann SE & Co. KG, Japan Airport Terminal Co., Ltd., King Power Group, Lagardère Travel Retail (Lagardère Group), Hotel Shilla CO., Ltd.
Recent Developments in the Airport Retail Market
- In February 2025 – Lagardère Travel Retail officially commenced its duty-free operations at Tirana International Airport (TIA), signifying the successful realization of its strategic partnership with the Kastrati Group. Established in October 2023, this collaboration brings Lagardère Travel Retail’s renowned expertise to the Albanian market and enhances its footprint within the rapidly evolving Balkan region.
- In April 2025 – Avolta AG, a globally recognized leader in travel retail and food & beverage, announced its continued expansion in the Asia-Pacific region through a new contract to operate multiple outlets at Shanghai Pudong International Airport. As a key contributor to the design of the central public area in collaboration with its partner, the agreement marks a significant milestone in the region, aiming to deliver a seamless and integrated retail and dining experience for travelers passing through the airport.
Global Airport Retail Market Report Coverage
Report Attribute | Details |
Base year | 2024 |
Forecast period | 2025-2033 |
Growth momentum | Accelerate at a CAGR of 9.4% |
Market size 2024 | USD 36,550 Million |
Regional analysis | North America, Europe, APAC, Rest of the World |
Major contributing region | Asia-Pacific is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period. |
Key countries covered | U.S., Canada, Germany, U.K., Spain, Italy, France, China, Japan, and India |
Companies profiled | Avolta AG, Dubai Duty Free, Airport Retail Group, LLC, Duty Free Americas, Inc., Flemingo International, Gebr. Heinemann SE & Co. KG, Japan Airport Terminal Co., Ltd., King Power Group, Lagardère Travel Retail (Lagardère Group), Hotel Shilla CO., Ltd. |
Report Scope | Market Trends, Drivers, and Restraints; Revenue Estimation and Forecast; Segmentation Analysis; Demand and Supply Side Analysis; Competitive Landscape; Company Profiling |
Segments Covered | By Airport Type; By Product; By Store Type; By Region/Country |
Reasons to Buy Airport Retail Market Report:
- The study includes market sizing and forecasting analysis confirmed by authenticated key industry experts.
- The report briefly reviews overall industry performance at a glance.
- The report covers an in-depth analysis of prominent industry peers, primarily focusing on key business financials, type portfolios, expansion strategies, and recent developments.
- Detailed examination of drivers, restraints, key trends, and opportunities prevailing in the industry.
- The study comprehensively covers the market across different segments.
- Deep dive regional level analysis of the industry.
Customization Options:
The global airport retail market can further be customized as per the requirements or any other market segment. Besides this, UnivDatos understands that you may have your own business needs, hence feel free to contact us to get a report that completely suits your requirements.
Table of Contents
Research Methodology for the Global Airport Retail Market Analysis (2023-2033)
We analyzed the historical market, estimated the current market, and forecasted the future market of the global airport retail market to assess its application in major regions worldwide. We conducted exhaustive secondary research to gather historical market data and estimate the current market size. To validate these insights, we carefully reviewed numerous findings and assumptions. Additionally, we conducted in-depth primary interviews with industry experts across the airport retail value chain. After validating market figures through these interviews, we used both top-down and bottom-up approaches to forecast the overall market size. We then employed market breakdown and data triangulation methods to estimate and analyze the market size of industry segments and sub-segments.
Market Engineering
We employed the data triangulation technique to finalize the overall market estimation and derive precise statistical numbers for each segment and sub-segment of the global airport retail market. We split the data into several segments and sub-segments by analyzing various parameters and trends, including airport type, product, store type, and regions within the global airport retail market.
The Main Objective of the Global Airport Retail Market Study
The study identifies current and future trends in the global airport retail market, providing strategic insights for investors. It highlights regional market attractiveness, enabling industry participants to tap into untapped markets and gain a first-mover advantage. Other quantitative goals of the studies include:
- Market Size Analysis: Assess the current and forecast market size of the global airport retail market and its segments in terms of value (USD).
- Airport Retail Market Segmentation: Segments in the study include areas of airport type, product, store type, and regions.
- Regulatory Framework & Value Chain Analysis: Examine the regulatory framework, value chain, customer behavior, and competitive landscape of the airport retail industry.
- Regional Analysis: Conduct a detailed regional analysis for key areas such as Asia Pacific, Europe, North America, and the Rest of the World.
- Company Profiles & Growth Strategies: Company profiles of the airport retail market and the growth strategies adopted by the market players to sustain in the fast-growing market.
Frequently Asked Questions FAQs
Q1: What is the global airport retail market’s current market size and growth potential?
As of 2024, the global airport retail market is valued at USD 36,550 million and is projected to expand at a CAGR of 9.4% from 2025 to 2033. This growth is fueled by rising passenger traffic, expanding international tourism, and increasing demand for luxury and duty-free retail experiences at airports worldwide.
Q2: Which segment has the largest share of the global airport retail market by airport type?
The international airport segment leads the global airport retail market due to high passenger volumes, extended layovers, and greater spending on duty-free and luxury retail products compared to domestic terminals.
Q3: What are the driving factors for the growth of the global airport retail market?
Key airport retail market growth drivers include rising global air travel, increasing consumer preference for branded and luxury goods, the popularity of duty-free shopping, and strategic investments in airport infrastructure and retail space optimization.
Q4: What are the emerging technologies and trends in the global airport retail market?
Emerging airport retail trends include the surge in duty-free product demand, increased business and leisure travel, and digital innovations such as smart retail technologies, virtual shopping assistants, contactless payments, and omnichannel retail strategies that enhance the passenger shopping experience.
Q5: What are the key challenges in the global airport retail market?
The market faces several challenges, including fluctuating passenger volumes, changing consumer preferences, rising operational costs, and the need for continuous innovation to meet evolving traveler expectations in both retail and F&B offerings.
Q6: Which region dominates the global airport retail market?
North America currently holds the largest share in the airport retail market, driven by high international traffic, major airport hubs, and well-established retail infrastructure. However, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East are rapidly emerging as high-growth regions.
Q7: Who are the key companies in the global airport retail market?
Top players in the airport retail industry include:
Avolta AG
Dubai Duty Free
Airport Retail Group, LLC
Duty Free Americas, Inc.
Flemingo International
Gebr. Heinemann SE & Co. KG
Japan Airport Terminal Co., Ltd.
King Power Group
Lagardère Travel Retail (Lagardère Group)
Hotel Shilla CO., Ltd.
Q8: What investment opportunities exist in the global airport retail market??
Investors can explore high-growth opportunities in duty-free store development, luxury brand partnerships, digital retail transformation, and airport F&B expansion. Regions investing in large-scale airport upgrades, especially in Asia-Pacific and the Middle East, offer particularly attractive returns.
Q9: How are airport retail players enhancing customer experience to drive revenue growth?
To boost engagement and sales, retailers are adopting personalized marketing, digital touchpoints, loyalty programs, and experiential store designs. Features like click-and-collect, multilingual support, and real-time inventory management are transforming how travelers shop in airports.
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