Benefits of Adding Covered Walkways at Airports

02.23.23

Imagine finally finding your luggage on the baggage carousel after a long day of travel. You walk out the airport's doors and quickly have to shield your eyes from the sun so you can try to find your ride along the drop-off lanes.

As you pace up and down, looking for your car, the afternoon sun starts beating down on you. You start feeling hot and uncomfortable. By the time you spot your ride, you're irritable. The beginning of your trip is off to an unfavorable start, and your key memory of the airport is a negative one. 

Now, imagine that same scenario with the addition of a covered walkway. You step out the airport doors without the sun in your eyes. You see the passing cars in the drop-off lane with ease. You walk around, feeling comfortable and shaded by the afternoon sun. You maintain that comfort and are cool and dry by the time you spot your ride, feeling good about the time spent at the airport. 

This is just one example of the many ways installing protective structures over an airport's outdoor walkways can be advantageous for travelers and airports alike. 

Read the full article or jump to a specific section:

• What Is the Purpose of Covered Walkways
• Benefits of Covered Walkways at Airports
• Where Can a Covered Walkway Be Used?
• How Can VPS Help?

What Is the Purpose of Covered Walkways?

Covered walkways refer to outdoor passageways that have structures built over them. These structures provide additional shelter for those walking underneath, allowing people to be more comfortable as they travel between buildings or from a building to their cars. 

These structures consist of durable frames and overhead canopy solutions that help block the elements and keep travelers comfortable. Businesses can find covered walkway solutions in a wide range of styles and shapes.

A covered walkway's ultimate purpose is to provide a more pleasant experience while walking to and from a location. Many businesses and organizations, from churches to hospitals, can benefit from installing these protective structures over their outdoor walkways.

Airports can benefit from installing canopy solutions on their premises. Travelers and airport staff are constantly moving from point A to point B. Whether they are walking to a new terminal or catching their car at a drop-off lane, having some protection from the elements can elevate customer and staff experiences. 

Benefits of Covered Walkways at Airports

Airports can improve their facilities and transform traveler experiences by installing protective structures over outdoor pathways. Explore the many benefits of adding covered walkways to airports:

1. Protect Pedestrians From the Elements

One of the most significant benefits of having covered walkways is the protection they can provide against various elements, like UV rays. Pedestrians can move about with added comfort when they have shade from the sun and coverage from undesirable weather. 

Airline passengers can enjoy getting from place to place without worrying about getting soaked by the rain or scorched by the sun. Instead, they can travel around the airport with more comfort and convenience. Protection from the elements can improve visitors' overall experiences and attitudes toward the airport.

2. Help in Reducing Fall Risks

Another advantage of incorporating covered walkways at an airport is their help in reducing the risk of falls. Thanks to the protection they provide against inclement weather, travelers will have to deal with less undesirable conditions as they move around the airport property. 

Reduced fall risk is especially important in the midst of winter weather and hail. Added coverage can keep pathways from getting overtaken by snow or ice. Those walking to catch their cars can navigate the path with fewer concerns about their luggage getting wet or losing their footing due to slipping hazards. 

3. Improve Airport Foot Traffic Flow

By having protective structures over the walkways, airports can improve the flow of foot traffic. These structures can provide distinct paths for traveling around the premises and encourage people to stay in designated pedestrian areas. 

Visitors will also have a better understanding of where they can and cannot walk. If there is a structure keeping them dry or shaded, they will be less likely to venture out into unprotected drop-off lanes or roadways. 

Covered walkways can boost airport safety and give travelers guidance on what route they should take while maneuvering outside of the airport's buildings. 

4. Enjoy Less Maintenance

When a business installs protective structures over their walkways, they can enjoy less frequent maintenance needs.

Direct sunlight can cause damage over time. The heat and UV rays can fade and wear away at walkway sealants, causing premature cracking and deterioration. Likewise, water and ice can wreak havoc on the integrity of walkways. Salts and snow removal can be really tough on outdoor paths, too. 

Having a cover overhead can help preserve the outdoor walking areas and reduce maintenance and upkeep needs. 

5. Boost Morale and Comfort

Protective structures can keep walkways more welcoming for all airport passengers and staff members. These covers can optimize drop-off areas, keeping both arriving and departing travelers happier.

When people can navigate the airport with comfort and ease, they will have better attitudes. Boosted morale translates into better airport experiences for everyone involved. Covered walkways make outdoor areas more welcoming and pleasing for all. 

6. Optimize Existing Areas

A major advantage of incorporating covered outdoor walkways at an airport is the opportunity to take advantage of usable outside space. Protective structures can add valuable square footage that can be used for various purposes. Instead of adding or renovating the building, businesses can optimize outdoor areas and make better use of their space. 

Whether the airport wants to establish a designated smoking area away from the rest of the travelers or is looking to install an outdoor vending machine, covered pathways offer a cost-effective way to expand operations and utilize existing areas.

7. Enhance Airport Branding

Airports can also utilize covered pathways for branding purposes. By incorporating customized canopy covers, they can establish their commitment to providing quality experiences and exhibit their keen attention to detail.

Airports can choose their branded colors for their protective structures for an added touch of customization. One of the greatest benefits of branded covered walkways is how they can make the airport stand out. The walking paths will feel more special and innovative for those navigating the airport. 

8. Keep the Airport Clean and Dry

An additional benefit of incorporating covered walkways into an airport setup is their help in keeping the interiors clean and dry. When there is a cover blocking out wet and unfavorable weather outside the airport doors, there will be less dirt and moisture tracked inside by the travelers' feet and luggage. 

Keeping the floors unsoiled and dry is essential for maintaining safety and exhibiting cleanliness within the airport. It will contribute to the visitors' overall impressions of the airport. 

9. Get Added Security 

Added security is another advantage of installing protective structures over walkways. These covers offer a shield for important security features, such as lighting fixtures and security cameras. The cover can help keep these features protected from inclement weather that can interfere with their effectiveness and integrity. 

Imagine a severe hailstorm and how it could impact the airline's security cameras. The precipitation could negatively impact the camera's ability to capture clear video, and it could also harm the hardware. A walkway cover can assist in shielding these cameras from possible damage. 

10. Influence and Update Building Design

Another advantage of having covered walkways at an airport is their influence on building design. These structures can create a unique look that complements the rest of the premises with unique colors and canopy fabrics.

Businesses can extend their aesthetic preferences outside with covered walkways that exhibit airline branding and pair well with the rest of the architecture. Custom protective structures can reinforce and increase brand awareness, making the airport more distinctive and memorable to those passing through.

11. Boost the Airport's Appeal

In addition to all these benefits, covered walkways can also effectively boost an airport's overall appeal to flyers. The outdoor pathways are a traveler's first interaction with the airline and contribute to establishing a positive first impression. 

Protective structures can show visitors that the airport cares about the quality of their experience. They can also contribute to the airline's online presence. When travelers come across the airport during an online search, they'll likely see images of the covered walkways and see positive reviews from other visitors. 

Where Can a Covered Walkway Be Used?

Covered walkways are highly beneficial for businesses that have outdoor operations. Protective structures can specifically enhance the following outside areas of an airport:

Ride Shelters

Many airports feature ride shelters for travelers looking to catch public transportation or get dropped off by a rideshare service. These shelters will serve very little purpose if those who need to wait in them have to walk through inclement weather to get inside. 

Adding a protective structure over the walkways to ride shelters is a fantastic way to keep visitors dry and happy upon their arrival or departure from the airport. They will be able to travel to and from the ride shelter with ease, never having to deal with direct precipitation or the hot sun. 

Drop-Off Lanes

The drop-off lanes at an airline are among the busiest parts of an airport. Travelers need to unload their luggage and make their way inside the building quickly. Without covered walkways, the drop-off lanes can become hectic, especially during unfavorable weather conditions. 

Protective structures can help streamline those navigating the drop-off lanes, keeping things shaded and dry for everyone passing through. 

Covering the drop-off lanes is essential for optimizing airport experiences and keeping both travelers and staff comfortable. Again, having a cover over the walkways can help reduce the risk of tracking in moisture that causes people to slip inside the airport. 

Parking Lots

Another place to include covered walkways at an airport is to and from the parking lot. Travelers will have to make their way from the lot inside and will prefer doing it with some protection against the elements.

Picture the stark difference between traveling from the parking lot to the airport during a hailstorm with and without overhead coverage. Visitors will appreciate the ease with which they can get back and forth to their vehicles without having to deal with the various negative aspects of poor weather or extreme heat.

Between Buildings

Especially large airports may have a network of buildings and structures that travelers will have to navigate. Airports can boost operations by installing structures over pathways between buildings for better comfort and security. 

By providing some shelter over the walkways between buildings, airports can add convenience and improve visitor experiences. Plus, the coverage can help keep feet dry and clean for a more hygienic airport.

Outdoor Spaces

If the airline features outdoor spaces such as a dedicated smoking or leisure area, incorporating covered walkways can be highly beneficial. Consider those who need to use their cell phones to track flight times or check-in. Having overhead coverage will help them easily use their device without exposing it to too much sun or moisture. 

Likewise, if visitors want to eat a meal or snack in an outdoor space, covered walkways will allow them to spend time outside with fewer concerns. These structures can streamline outdoor operations and make the airport look and feel more innovative. 

How Can VPS Help?

At VPS, we can provide airports with covered walkway options that elevate and transform operations while impressing fliers. We have various durable configurations to choose from. 

Explore the following covered walkway options from VPS:

• Horizon: These structures feature a gabled roof and specialized design that can create extended coverage over walkways. 
• Zenith: The Zenith design is similar to the Horizon but features a waterproof roof system.
• Nova: This design has an arch overlaid and a reinforced roof that adds even more weather protection. 

Our team is able to engineer structures that meet highly specific design needs. We understand how to meet local building codes and ensure the structures are suitable for the type of conditions that are typical in the airport's region. 

Airlines can also incorporate their branding into the walkway covers. VPS offers custom solutions that include the following:

• Specialty design
• Fabrication
• Construction

Our team of experts understands how to approach various types of terrain and property requirements. In addition to covered walkways, VPS can also provide covered parking for airports. These structures are a great amenity that airlines can offer for their visitors to help keep visitor vehicles protected against the elements while they are parked in the lot. 

Contact VPS for a Free Quote

Every airport can benefit from adding covered walkways to its facility. From protection from the elements to branding opportunities, these structures can elevate the airline and enhance traveler experiences. 

VPS can provide high-quality covered walkway canopy solutions that meet your airport's specific requirements. Our team of expert engineers can create the perfect configuration for your business. In addition to these structures, we are the leading supplier of covered parking protection. We have solutions for blocking out heat, hail and UV rays. 

Are you interested in getting started? Contact VPS for a free quote today!