Airport Advertising Soars as Global Travel Surpasses Pre-Pandemic Levels

A Sky-High Comeback for Global Travel

Air travel has made a powerful comeback. In 2024, global air passenger traffic soared to an estimated 9.5 billion travelers. That’s a 10 percent increase over the previous year and a clear signal that the aviation industry has moved to new heights. With passenger volume expected to rise steadily over the next decade, airports are once again prime advertising real estate for marketers.

Airport Advertising is on a Growth Trajectory

The rebound in travel has reignited interest and investment in airport advertising. The global airport media market reached $4.24 billion in 2024, with projections estimating $4.5 billion in 2025 and a long-term rise to $7.43 billion by 2033. This momentum is fueled by premium audience exposure, longer dwell times and the rapid adoption of digital and programmatic Out-of-Home (OOH) solutions.

Airport advertising provides brands with a unique opportunity: a high-impact environment where consumers are often in a discovery mindset, less distracted by mobile devices and more open to engaging with content.

Clear Channel’s Airports Division Leads the Way

CCO’s Airports Division continues to reimagine the airport media space with the traveler in mind. With exclusive media programs in more than 55 U.S. commercial airports, 115 private jet terminals and several Caribbean locations, CCA reaches 52% of all U.S. air travelers. This includes partnerships with major airports and premium terminal operators that help brands engage audiences in both commercial and private aviation settings.

Among CCO’s vast and diverse media programs is the recent renewal of our five-year partnership with Signature Aviation. This deal expands the reach of our media across more than 100 private aviation terminals and gives brands exclusive access to a highly affluent and influential traveler demographic.

High Engagement, High Returns

Airports are premium advertising environments, offering access to high-value audiences like business travelers, tourists, and affluent consumers. These premium environments not only provide high visibility for brands, but they also deliver a measurable impact from a coveted audience receptive to advertising messages. According to Clear Channel, 83 percent of frequent flyers notice airport ads, and 75 percent of them take action after viewing a campaign. Whether it’s visiting a brand’s website, making a purchase or discussing a product with others, the results speak the language business owners understand: sales.

Marketers also benefit from the ongoing digital transformation in the reimagined airport media space. Advanced targeting tools, dynamic creative capabilities and real-time content management make airport media more personalized and performance-driven than ever before.

The Runway Ahead for Airport Media

With global travel back in full swing and airport foot traffic at record highs, the future of airport advertising looks bright. From advanced digital capabilities to immersive brand activations to a combination of high visibility and affluent and diverse audiences, airport advertising is a unique and powerful platform to tell brand stories in a prestigious environment that commands attention. 

As more brands look for premium, brand-safe environments with proven results, Clear Channel Outdoor’s airport media programs deliver a smart, impactful and scalable media platform with long-term benefits.

_{Source: ACI.aero, 2025; Airports Council International (ACI) World, 2024; Business Research Insights, 2025; PR Newswire, 2024.}