Airport Quick Service Restaurant Market size is projected to reach USD 251.7 Billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 3% during the forecast period 2023-2032

Airport Quick Service Restaurant Market Size

Airport Quick Service Restaurant Market size stood at USD 173.3 Billion in 2022 and is expected to reach USD 251.7 Billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 3% over the forecast period 2023-2032.

Hello! Let me share with you an emerging business trendQuick Service Restaurants (QSRs) in airports. In 2022, airport restaurants were a massive $173.3 billion. And surprise, surprise? They’re predicted to continue increasing by more than 3% annually through the year 2032. What’s the hurry? It has to do with the number of travelers. With more travelers come more people craving a quick snack at the airport. And there’s where the QSRs fit in. In 2022, people traveling abroad totaled a whopping 152.7% increase compared to the prior year. That’s nearly 2/3rds of where it was prior to the pandemic breaking out. And in December 2022 alone, international travel increased by 80.2% over December 2021, coming ever closer to pre-pandemic levels. So, if you’re searching for a business prospect with a rosy future, QSRs in airports are certainly worth the consideration!

Report Attribute Details
Base Year 2022
Airport Quick Service Restaurant Market Size in 2022 USD 173.3 Billion
Forecast Period 2023 to 2032
Forecast Period 2023 to 2032 CAGR 3%
2032 Value Projection
USD 251.7 Billion
Historical Data for
2018 to 2022
No. of Pages
230
Tables, Charts & Figures
238
Segments covered
Cuisine Type and Franchise Type
Growth Drivers
Increasing demand for passenger traffic
Shifting consumer food trends and health patterns
Emphasis on streamlined operations, streamlined menus, and streamlined processes
Partnerships among QSR brands and airport authorities
Pitfalls & Challenges
Restrictive security mandates at airports
Large operational expenses
Shifting consumer food trends and health patterns will contribute to driving profitable revenue to the airport QSR market. Consumer tastes are a major driver of the products offered by QSRs, including airport QSRs. With health-conscious trends still on the rise, there tends to be a call for healthier food alternatives, such as fresh and organic foods. QSRs that are responsive to these trends by providing a range of options that suit various dietary needs may find more success in the airport sector.
For example, in August 2021, SSP Group revealed its growth in Australia, with a new tender at Gold Coast Airport in Queensland. SSP will, under the contract, introduce three popular local food and beverage brands to the airport. They are Liv-Eat, which is a quick-service restaurant with a focus on healthy eating; Roll’d, with authentic Vietnamese cuisine such as bánh mi and pho; and Red Rooster, the second-largest quick-service chicken restaurant in Australia.

But airports are usually constrained in terms of space and have operational limitations, such as restrictions on construction and development. Such constraints may impede the growth of airport QSRs or optimizing their operations. Moreover, stringent security procedures and regulations within airports can present logistical challenges for QSRs, impacting their ability to effectively manage inventory, labor, and customer flow. To overcome such operational challenges is paramount to long-term success in the airport QSR market.
Airport Quick Service Restaurant Market Trends
One of the growing trends in the airport Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) market is the growing use of digital technologies to support customer experience and operation efficiency. These involve the adoption of mobile order apps, self-service kiosks, contactless payments, and digital menu boards. Such technologies not only serve the interests of tech-enabled passengers but also lead to faster service, minimized waiting time, and better overall efficiency in QSR operations.

Against this background, Starbucks in September 2023 said it would add convenience to busy Houston travelers with its first pickup-only store at George Bush International Airport’s Terminal E. Starbucks, in partnership with airport hospitality company OTG, will only serve mobile orders made through its app. Customers, once location services are enabled or manually selected IAH Terminal E, can order. When the status changes to “ready,” customers can easily retrieve their items without having to queue, making the airport coffee experience efficient.

Airport Quick Service Restaurant Market Analysis
Discover more about the major segments influencing this market

Among the commotion of airports, hungry travelers are presented with an array of food choices. But when time is critical, fast food restaurants are a number one option. These restaurants have a massive market share for a reason. They’re like old buddies, with familiar and dependable menus that make everyone feel comfortable. And they’re all about quick service, which is ideal for travelers rushing from one gate to another. Airports are hectic locations, and travelers love the ease of grabbing something to eat quickly without much ado. Whether a burger, fries, or a hot cup of coffee, fast food outlets do the trick in an instant.

Airport Quick Service Restaurant Market Share

Major players operating in the airport quick service restaurant industry are

• Chick-fil-A
• KFC
• McDonald’s
• Pizza Hut Express
• Starbucks
• Subway
• Tim Hortons