The good news is that when Paperjam readers are asked which airport they prefer, Findel is always in third place, behind Changi in Singapore and Zurich Airport. “Within a 500-kilometre radius of us, there is no other airport that has found favour in their eyes,” remarked Luxair CEO at the Paperjam Club .
This ranking is all the more remarkable given that more than 60 airports were cited by at least one reader. Of our 409 respondents, one-third travel less than five times a year, one-third between six and ten times, and one-quarter between 11 and 30 times. For them, three aspects are not a cause for concern: the destinations offered, check-in management and arrival management, which all score an average of 7/10. On the other hand, more critical points emerge, notably the parking infrastructure (5/10), the quality of the business lounge (5/10), and the restaurant and shopping offer (5/10).
The answers to the open-ended questions provide more details about participants’ expectations. We have consolidated their remarks to identify recurring themes and selected a few comments to illustrate their expectations.
Increase the number of parking spaces. Lack of parking is a recurring problem, especially at peak times. It was also suggested that online booking options should be improved. Other concerns include high prices, traffic problems around the airport, messy parking queues and limited time in the kiss and fly zone.
Speed up and improve security checks. Long queues at security checks are a source of frustration for many passengers. It is suggested that new scanners be installed to allow liquids of more than 100ML to be carried and to avoid having to remove electronic devices from baggage. Increasing the number of security corridors and improving passenger flow are also necessary.
Improve infrastructure and facilities. The airport is considered too small and undersized for the number of passengers. It is suggested that the airport be enlarged and a second terminal built. Increasing the number of seats in waiting areas is also a priority.
Increase the number and diversity of destinations. The addition of long-haul flights to the United States, Asia and the Middle East is particularly desirable. Direct flights to major hubs and the restoration or addition of flights to specific destinations are also requested.
Improve catering services. There is a need to increase the number and diversity of catering options, improve the quality of food and offer options for all budgets.
Modernise and extend the business lounge. The current business lounge is considered outdated, too small and often dirty.
Improve access to the airport by public transport. Better connections with the city centre and the surrounding area are needed, in particular by means of direct buses and a rail link.
On this last aspect, the weekend saw the beginnings of a solution , which will link the Stade in the Cloche d’Or to the airport, passing through 24 stations.
On Thursday, the minister for transport and mobility, (DP), also announced a that meet some of these expectations.
This article was originally published in .