Frankfurt Airport has launched a world-first trial of Auracast broadcast audio – a new Bluetooth technology that sends gate announcements directly to passengers’ own devices (hearing aids, earbuds, headphones or smartphones). The pilot is live at Gates A16 and A17 in Terminal 1, where travellers can connect their compatible devices and receive personalised audio streams of boarding calls, gate changes, delays and other flight information.

Why it matters for passengers:

Busy airport terminals are often noisy, which can make traditional loudspeaker announcements difficult to hear, particularly for deaf and hard-of-hearing passengers. By streaming announcements straight to personal devices, Auracast provides clearer, more inclusive access to important travel information, reducing stress and enhancing confidence during the airport experience. This is a substantial step toward a more accessible travel environment for all passengers, especially the estimated 1.5 billion people globally living with some degree of hearing loss.

How it works:

Auracast turns public audio into a Bluetooth broadcast that multiple compatible devices can tune into without traditional pairing. Users can connect via compatible smartphones (e.g., Pixel, Samsung), earbuds, headphones or hearing aids to receive direct gate audio. The trial will run for about two months while feedback is collected to evaluate comfort, clarity and overall passenger experience.

Industry impact:

If successful, this technology could expand to other airports worldwide, enabling more inclusive and quieter terminal environments while significantly improving real-time communication for passengers with hearing impairments.