Dmagazine - Tim Hudson

So how can the “New Normal” influence aviation terminal design in a positive way? The recommended, current six-foot separation between people in public spaces is a challenge to maintain in airports.  In the U.S., airport design aligns with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Level of Service C (LoS C), which promotes constant, comfortable passenger flow, but in potentially closer confines. Level of Service A (LoS A), which is characteristic of European airports, prioritizes free passenger flow, where opportunities for gathering or congregation are minimalized through additional built space. What this means is a LoS A facility is 30 percent to 50 percent larger compared to a typical LoS C airport.

When determining which LoS guideline to follow for terminal design, space and money are the primary considerations. Can the difference in space affect the social separation capabilities during a pandemic? Airport designers also need to consider where to capitalize on space, creating dedicated zones of LoS A that can serve as “safety corridors” to move potentially infectious passengers to designated areas and, more importantly, avoid the co-mingling of these passengers....more

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