Skift Travel News Blog

​​Qatar Duty Free has debuted Souq Al Matar – a new experiential mixed retail and dining concept – at Hamad International Airport in Doha.

Inspired by ‘the bustling energy and aesthetics of Qatar’s iconic traditional markets,’ the seven shops and two restaurants are located in the North Node terminal of the airport.

Offerings include Al Attar, an apothecary style store selling teas, herbs and spices; Sogha, a souvenir shop selling traditional Qatari keepsakes; Al Darzi, a women’s fashion shop carrying traditional garments, and Basta, a dining experience serving traditional Qatari food with a modern twist.

The design of the new retail offering has taken inspirtation from traditional Qatari architecture and design, and features elements including wicker woven ceilings, arched doorways and traditional textiles.

Baggage trolleys with built in smart technology have been introduced at Munich Airport, allowing travelers to receive flight information and real time updates via a built in tablet.

The new technology has been launched as part of a six-month pilot project in partnership with Intelligent Track Systems, and are available to use for free within the airport’s Terminal 2.

In order to use the new technology, passengers will need to scan their boarding card or manually input their flight details, and the tablet will then provide access to real-time flight updates. The tablet also acts as an interactive map and guide of the terminal, allowing users to locate airport facilities, such as shops and restaurants.

“Digitalization doesn’t always have to happen in the background. These tablets help our guests find their way around the terminal while ensuring they can always keep an eye on the latest flight information. The project is another element of our premium innovation hub. By connecting the digital and the analog world, it will bring real added value for our passengers,” said Dr. Jan-Henrik Andersson, chief commercial officer of Munich Airport.

A new store powered by Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology has opened at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. 

The Market on Las Olas, which is located post-security in Terminal 3, is the first location in a Florida airport to feature Amazon’s checkout-free shopping platform. 

The Just Walk Out technology is made possible by using artificial intelligence to determine what shoppers take from shelves in order to create a ‘virtual shopping session’.

To enter, shoppers simply hover their credit card or device at the entry gate at which point a digital shopping cart is created. Shoppers can then choose their items and then leave the store without having to physically check out, with payments taken upon exit. 

You can take a look at the video below for a demonstration of how the system works:

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Amazon and Delaware North to introduce this exciting store format to FLL travelers,” said Mark E. Gale, CEO/Director of Aviation. “As an airport, we strive to explore and embrace new technologies to innovate and elevate the guest experience, and we anticipate this checkout-free store will be well-received by 

“We are proud to bring Just Walk Out technology and Amazon One to the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport,” said Jon Jenkins, Vice President of Just Walk Out technology, AWS Applications. “Even when running late for a flight, South Florida travelers will soon be able to grab snacks and beverages with a fast and frictionless shopping experience.”