While airports worldwide jostle to transcend their role as simple transportation hubs to become luxury entities, some are adopting a star-ranking system – an inevitable development. What used to be functional is now elaborate, but how will the rankings affect passengers?

First Spaces is a concept for the future of air travel based around hotel-type rooms that can sense the needs of flyers. This approach is intended to appeal to luxury travellers who are increasingly interested in experiences, giving first class itself a much-needed makeover.

With $385 billion currently invested in global airport developments, lounges and runways are changing rapidly. It might be decades before ‘airport cities’ are developed, but we’re already seeing new outdoor spaces, retail opportunities and better logistics. What does the future of airports hold?

Business execs suffer from a ‘perennial time-scarcity problem’, so it’s no surprise that they’re looking for ways to minimise wasted moments. Surf Air aims to save them hours at airports, offering unlimited flights on private business jets between selected European cities from £2,500 per month.