Frankfurt Airport First Worldwide to Test Auracast Audio

Frankfurt Airport has become the first airport worldwide to trial Auracast broadcast audio technology, transforming how gate announcements are delivered to passengers.

The new Bluetooth®-based Auracast system allows gate announcements to be transmitted directly to travellers’ personal devices — including hearing aids, earbuds and smartphones — at selected gates in Terminal 1. This pilot project aims to make travel more inclusive and comfortable, especially for passengers with hearing loss who may struggle with traditional public address systems amid ambient airport noise.

Instead of relying solely on loudspeaker announcements, passengers with Auracast-compatible devices can connect and receive clear audio streams in real time, similar to a phone call or music playback. The initial installation has been completed at gates A16 and A17, with feedback being collected from travellers and staff over the coming weeks to assess the impact on accessibility, comfort and overall passenger experience.

The project is part of a digital accessibility initiative funded by Distr@l, a programme supported by the German state of Hesse to promote innovative digital solutions in public spaces. Fraport is working with technology partner Sittig Technologies and academic collaborators from Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences to implement the trial.

Airport officials say Auracast could support “silent airport” concepts, where personalised audio streams reduce the need for loudspeaker announcements and minimise terminal noise while keeping passengers informed about boarding calls, gate changes and other flight information.

By piloting this cutting-edge Bluetooth audio technology, Frankfurt Airport is pushing forward efforts to enhance accessibility and modernise the travel experience for a broader range of passengers at one of Europe’s busiest hubs.