Why Airports Can’t Afford to Overlook Facilities Management

Airports are among the most complex facilities in the world. They’re massive, multifaceted environments that combine the functions of a transportation hub, retail center, and business campus, all while handling millions of passengers and complying with some of the strictest safety regulations. 

Managing such complexity comes at a cost. Labor shortages, energy spikes, and increasing regulatory pressure are driving operational costs higher year after year.

Strategic facilities management can be a powerful tool to rein in these costs. More than just cleaning or maintenance, FM is a holistic approach that supports every part of an airport’s infrastructure. When leveraged effectively, FM reduces costs, increases efficiency, and enhances passenger satisfaction, all of which directly impact an airport’s bottom line.

What Facilities Management Means in an Airport Setting

Facilities management in airports covers an extensive scope. It includes janitorial services, HVAC and energy systems, waste diversion, compliance checks, landscaping, safety procedures, and even passenger-facing services like restroom monitoring and gate cleaning.

Unlike office buildings or manufacturing facilities, airports operate 24/7. This nonstop environment amplifies the importance of FM. For example:

• Janitorial services keep restrooms, waiting areas, and food courts hygienic and presentable, protecting both passenger health and airport reputation.

• HVAC systems ensure passengers are comfortable even in extreme weather, while also regulating sensitive areas like baggage handling and data centers.

• Waste management keeps terminals clear and supports sustainability initiatives, which are increasingly important to regulators and travelers.

• Safety and compliance oversight helps airports meet FAA, TSA, OSHA, and environmental requirements, avoiding fines and reputational damage.

Ultimately, FM in an airport isn’t just about operational efficiency; it’s about delivering a seamless passenger experience. When FM runs smoothly, passengers may not notice it at all. But when it fails, everything from delays to customer complaints to negative press can follow.

Key Drivers of Airport Operational Costs

Understanding where airports spend the most money reveals where FM can have the greatest impact.

1. Labor Costs

Airports rely on large teams of custodians, maintenance crews, and specialized technicians. Recruiting, training, and retaining staff is expensive, particularly with industry-wide turnover averaging 30–40%. Constant hiring and onboarding drive costs up while lowering consistency in service delivery.

2. Energy Consumption

Airports are among the largest energy consumers in the built environment. HVAC, lighting, escalators, baggage systems, and water use all contribute to sky-high utility bills.

3. Maintenance and Repairs

When systems fail, the cost goes beyond parts and labor. Emergency repairs cause downtime, disrupt passenger flow, and may require rerouting flights or closing concourses. A single HVAC failure in midsummer can create ripple effects that hurt both the budget and passenger satisfaction scores.

4. Regulatory Compliance

From TSA security regulations to FAA safety standards to EPA environmental rules, airports face constant compliance pressure. Non-compliance can mean significant fines or even operational shutdowns. Maintaining compliance requires not only expertise but constant documentation and verification.

5. Passenger Experience

Operational costs aren’t just measured in invoices; they’re also reflected in how passengers perceive the airport. Poor cleanliness, long restroom lines, or broken escalators can lead to complaints, lower satisfaction scores, and even influence airlines’ decisions about which airports to prioritize.

Facilities Management as a Cost-Reduction Strategy

When approached strategically, FM becomes more than a cost center. It becomes an engine for cost reduction and long-term efficiency.

Proactive Maintenance

Traditional “break-fix” models may seem less expensive upfront, but reactive repairs almost always cost more over time. Proactive maintenance, supported by condition monitoring and predictive analytics, reduces downtime, extends asset lifespan, and minimizes emergency expenses. For example, replacing worn belts on an escalator costs a fraction of repairing a system after complete failure.

Sustainability Initiatives

Energy-efficient LED retrofits, smart water fixtures, and waste diversion programs are no longer optional. These sustainability measures reduce recurring utility costs while helping airports achieve certifications like LEED or ACI’s Airport Carbon Accreditation. They also support corporate ESG goals, which many airlines and passengers value.

Workforce Stability

Investing in well-trained, long-tenured staff reduces turnover costs and enhances service consistency. Partnering with an FM provider that emphasizes employee engagement, professional development, and safety training pays dividends in both cost control and quality of service.

Vendor Consolidation

Airports often juggle multiple service providers for janitorial, HVAC, landscaping, and compliance needs. Consolidating services under one FM partner reduces administrative overhead, ensures accountability, and improves service consistency.

The Strategic Value of Facilities Management 

Facilities management is often viewed through the lens of cost containment, but in the aviation sector, its influence extends far beyond operational savings. When FM is strategically implemented, it becomes a value multiplier across multiple dimensions:

• Passenger Experience: Clean, safe, and well-maintained facilities directly influence satisfaction scores and loyalty. Data-driven FM solutions, like smart restrooms and predictive maintenance, ensure reliable service that passengers notice.

• Reputation and Recognition: Strong FM programs contribute to higher ASQ rankings, sustainability certifications (LEED, Airport Carbon Accreditation), and industry awards. These achievements strengthen the airport’s brand with airlines, regulators, and passengers.

• Resilience: Proactive FM builds readiness for seasonal demand spikes, weather events, and capital expansions. A resilient approach ensures smooth operations under both everyday and extraordinary conditions.

Selecting the Right FM Partner

Rising operational costs are an unavoidable reality for today’s airports, but they don’t have to be uncontrollable. Facilities management offers a proven way to address key cost drivers, labor, energy, maintenance, compliance, and passenger experience, while simultaneously elevating service quality. By moving beyond reactive approaches and embracing proactive, data-driven strategies, airports can achieve both immediate savings and long-term efficiency gains.

Choosing the right FM partner is essential. With aviation-specific expertise, integrated services, and innovative technologies, a specialized provider can transform FM from a background function into a strategic advantage. 

By reassessing your current FM strategy and aligning with an experienced partner, your airport can strengthen resilience, improve efficiency, and deliver a seamless travel experience that benefits passengers, airlines, and stakeholders alike.