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Northwest Arkansas National Airport Regional Airport Authority recently made the decision to remove its only moving sidewalk from the terminal due to constant breakdowns and obsolescence. The plan is to replace it with terrazzo flooring and additional seating to accommodate the growing number of passengers. This removal is part of a larger terminal modernization plan to benefit the travel experience of business travelers which frequent the airport.
While some airports such as Chicago, Las Vegas, Orlando, Dallas, and Cincinnati have removed their moving sidewalks, others like Tampa, Denver, and Norfolk are adding or upgrading them. The debate over the usefulness of moving sidewalks continues, with some experts citing high maintenance costs and safety concerns, while others believe they are necessary for connecting flights efficiently. German economics professors found that moving sidewalks may not benefit airport commerce, but they can improve connections if strategically placed.
In light of the ongoing debate, two brothers near the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport founded Beltways, a company striving to bring faster and more efficient moving walkways to the market. Their variable-speed walkways can reach speeds of up to 5 to 10 mph, offering a solution to slow-moving traditional sidewalks. The Yuksels are optimistic that their innovation will revolutionize airport transportation by eliminating safety hazards and improving passenger mobility.
While some argue that moving sidewalks have a negative impact on airport retailers, Denver International Airport believes they are crucial for passenger mobility and have no plans to remove their existing walkways. The airport ensures that vendors are not negatively affected by strategically placing concessions near walkways. Despite concerns over safety and maintenance, the future of moving sidewalks in airports remains a topic of debate.
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