10 Airports That Have Removed Seating to Force Passengers into Shops

Airports increasingly redesign terminals to emphasize retail revenue, reshaping how passengers wait between flights. In recent years, some major airports quietly reduced seating near gates and corridors, encouraging travelers to spend more time browsing shops, cafes, and duty free outlets. Airport operators cite crowd flow, security, and modernization goals, yet critics argue comfort suffers. Fewer seats often mean longer periods standing or sitting inside restaurants. This shift reflects broader commercial pressures in aviation infrastructure. The following airports illustrate where seating reductions sparked debate about passenger experience, accessibility, and the balance between convenience and profit concerns.

London Stansted Airport

London Stansted Airport removed large numbers of free seating during terminal renovations completed before the pandemic. Passengers reported limited benches near gates, while expanded retail zones featured abundant dining seating. Airport management stated changes improved circulation and commercial offerings. Critics argued travelers without purchases had fewer resting options. Advocacy groups raised accessibility concerns for elderly and disabled passengers. Stansted later added some seats following complaints, yet layouts still prioritize shops. The airport illustrates how low cost carrier hubs balance efficiency, revenue, and passenger comfort while redesigning spaces to maximize commercial dwell time for travelers daily.

Dublin Airport

Dublin Airport reduced general seating in parts of Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 following refurbishment projects. Travelers noticed fewer benches near walkways, while food courts expanded significantly. Airport operators cited passenger flow, and revenue diversification. Critics claimed passengers felt pressured to purchase food for seating. Disability advocates raised concerns about resting availability. Dublin Airport Authority responded by adding priority seating zones. Despite adjustments, commercial areas dominate waiting spaces. The airport highlights ongoing tension between operational efficiency, retail income, and equitable comfort for diverse passengers navigating busy European hubs during peak travel periods frequently.

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport redesigned several concourse areas to emphasize retail pathways after security. Seating near gates decreased, while duty free and dining zones expanded. Passengers reported difficulty finding open seats during peak hours. Airport officials stated redesigns improved passenger flow and reduced congestion. Complaints highlighted impacts on elderly travelers and families. Schiphol later introduced flexible seating clusters, though availability remains limited. The airport demonstrates how hub airports leverage commercial layouts while facing scrutiny over passenger welfare, accessibility standards, and balancing revenue generation with basic waiting needs today globally.

Copenhagen Airport

Copenhagen Airport removed significant seating from central terminal corridors during modernization phases. Travelers observed fewer benches outside restaurants, increasing reliance on paid seating areas. Airport representatives explained changes supported circulation efficiency and retail visibility. Passenger groups criticized reduced comfort. Following feedback, the airport added limited rest zones, though commercial areas still dominate. Copenhagen’s approach reflects broader European trends prioritizing retail revenue within terminals, prompting debate about accessibility, passenger rights, and maintaining humane waiting environments amid rising traveler volumes during seasonal peaks and extended disruption periods.

John F. Kennedy International Airport Terminal 4

John F. Kennedy International Airport Terminal 4 underwent redesigns that reduced general seating near gates and corridors. Passengers observed fewer benches outside boarding areas, while luxury retail and dining expanded. Operator JFKIAT cited modernization and passenger flow improvements. Critics argued seating removal pushed travelers toward restaurants for rest. Accessibility advocates raised concerns for elderly passengers. Terminal managers later installed limited priority seating, though demand remains high during delays. JFK Terminal 4 exemplifies how international gateways balance premium retail ambitions with basic comfort expectations for diverse global travelers navigating long layovers and crowded peak schedules periods.

Istanbul Airport

Istanbul Airport opened with expansive retail focused design that limited free seating across many concourses. Travelers reported long walks between sparse benches, while shops and cafes dominated. Airport officials stated the layout supported passenger flow and commercial sustainability. Critics argued seating scarcity caused discomfort during delays. Families and older passengers faced challenges finding rest areas. Some seating zones were added after feedback, yet capacity remains limited. Istanbul Airport highlights how newly built hubs prioritize revenue generation through retail immersion while negotiating passenger comfort, accessibility needs, and expectations within massive global transit facilities worldwide today.

Los Angeles International Airport Terminal B

Los Angeles International Airport Terminal B reduced open seating during phased renovations tied to international terminal upgrades. Travelers reported fewer benches near gates, while high end retail and dining expanded prominently. Airport officials stated changes supported passenger circulation and concession revenue. Advocacy groups raised accessibility concerns. Some seating was later reintroduced, though overall availability remains constrained during peak hours. LAX Terminal B illustrates how major U.S. gateways increasingly favor commercial density over traditional waiting spaces amid modernization efforts and global competition for non aeronautical revenue streams.

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport removed portions of public seating in several terminals during retail focused renovations. Passengers noted fewer benches outside boarding zones, while duty free corridors expanded. Airport authorities cited improved passenger flow and commercial visibility. Critics said travelers felt pressured to spend for seating. Older passengers and families faced challenges during delays. Limited rest areas were added later, though commercial zones dominate. Charles de Gaulle reflects how international hubs redesign terminals to boost retail income while facing criticism over comfort, accessibility, and balancing passenger welfare with revenue goals in high traffic European airports.

Heathrow Airport Terminal 5

Heathrow Airport Terminal 5 reduced open seating in several gate areas following retail focused redesigns. Passengers observed fewer free benches, while luxury shops and restaurants expanded prominently after security. Airport officials stated the layout improved circulation and passenger spending options. Travelers without purchases reported limited resting choices. Accessibility advocates raised concerns for elderly passengers. Heathrow later added some designated seating zones, though availability remains uneven. Terminal 5 illustrates how flagship airports balance premium retail ambitions with passenger comfort while managing extremely high daily volumes and complex international transfer demands consistently.

Frankfurt Airport

Frankfurt Airport removed significant seating in retail corridors connecting concourses during modernization projects. Travelers noted longer walking distances between limited benches, with shops dominating central areas. Airport management cited improved passenger flow and commercial visibility. Critics argued the design discouraged resting without purchases. Families and older travelers reported challenges during delays. Frankfurt introduced some quiet zones, yet overall seating remains reduced. The airport reflects broader European hub strategies prioritizing non aviation revenue, prompting debate over accessibility, comfort, and passenger centered design in one of Europe’s busiest international transit airports today.