Airport Retail Market: Current Analysis and Forecast (2025-2033)

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

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.