Moving Walkway Market Report: Trends, Forecast and Competitive Analysis to 2031

The future of the global moving walkway market looks promising with opportunities in the public transit, airport, retail, and institutional markets. The global moving walkway market is expected to grow with a CAGR of 3.2% from 2025 to 2031. The major drivers for this market are the increasing installation in airports & transit hubs, the rising demand for convenient passenger movement solutions, and the growing urbanization & infrastructure development projects.

• Lucintel forecasts that, within the type category, multi-parallel is expected to witness higher growth over the forecast period.
• Within the application category, airport is expected to witness the highest growth.
• In terms of region, APAC is expected to witness the highest growth over the forecast period.

Emerging Trends in the Moving Walkway Market

The moving walkway market is evolving rapidly, driven by a blend of technological advancements, environmental considerations, and a focus on enhancing user experience. These emerging trends are shaping the design, functionality, and deployment of moving walkways, transforming them into smarter, more efficient, and user-centric solutions within urban infrastructure.

• Energy Efficiency and Sustainability: There's a strong trend towards developing moving walkways with enhanced energy efficiency through features like regenerative drives, LED lighting, and intelligent operational modes that adapt to traffic flow. This focus on sustainability reduces operational costs and aligns with global green building initiatives, making systems more environmentally friendly.
• Digital Integration and Smart Monitoring: The integration of IoT sensors, real-time data analytics, and predictive maintenance systems is a significant trend. These smart features allow for continuous monitoring of performance, early detection of potential issues, and optimized maintenance schedules, leading to improved reliability, reduced downtime, and enhanced operational efficiency.
• Enhanced Safety and Accessibility Features: Manufacturers are incorporating advanced safety features such as improved anti-slip surfaces, intelligent obstacle detection, and enhanced handrail designs. There's also a growing emphasis on accessibility, with features like wider walkways, clearer signage, and seamless integration for users with mobility challenges, promoting inclusivity in public spaces.
• Modular and Customizable Designs: The market is seeing a trend towards modular moving walkway systems that offer greater flexibility in installation and customization. These designs allow for easier adaptation to diverse architectural requirements, quicker upgrades, and reduced installation times, catering to a wide range of applications from airports to shopping malls.
• Aesthetic Integration and User Experience: Beyond functionality, there's an increasing focus on the aesthetic integration of moving walkways into modern architectural designs. This includes customizable finishes, integrated lighting, and sleek designs that blend seamlessly with the surrounding environment, enhancing the overall user experience and contributing to the visual appeal of public spaces.

These emerging trends are fundamentally reshaping the moving walkway market by making systems more intelligent, sustainable, and user-friendly. The focus on energy efficiency, digital integration, and enhanced safety is improving operational performance and reliability, while modular designs and aesthetic considerations are allowing for greater adaptability and seamless integration into modern infrastructure, driving continuous innovation in urban mobility.

Recent Developments in the Moving Walkway Market

The moving walkway market is experiencing significant advancements, driven by the increasing need for efficient passenger flow in urban centers and transportation hubs. Recent developments are marked by a strong emphasis on smart technologies, energy efficiency, improved safety features, and modular designs, collectively enhancing the functionality and appeal of these critical mobility solutions.

• Smart Technology Integration: A key development is the widespread integration of smart technologies like IoT, AI-driven predictive maintenance, and real-time monitoring. These systems optimize operational performance, reduce energy consumption by adjusting speed based on traffic, and provide early warnings for maintenance, significantly improving reliability and efficiency.
• Enhanced Energy Efficiency: Recent advancements focus on making moving walkways more energy-efficient. This includes incorporating regenerative braking systems that feed energy back into the grid, using highly efficient motors, and implementing intelligent standby modes. These innovations reduce operational costs and support sustainable building practices.
• Improved Safety Standards and Features: Manufacturers are continually enhancing safety features. Developments include advanced sensor technology for obstacle detection, improved handrail designs for better grip, anti-slip surfaces, and sophisticated emergency stop systems. These advancements minimize risks and ensure passenger safety in high-traffic environments.
• Modular Design and Faster Installation: The trend towards modular construction allows for quicker and more flexible installation of moving walkways. This reduces construction time and costs, making it easier to integrate these systems into new or existing infrastructure. Modular designs also facilitate future upgrades and maintenance, enhancing long-term usability.
• Focus on Passenger Comfort and Accessibility: Developments prioritize a smoother, more comfortable ride for passengers. This includes reducing noise levels, minimizing vibrations, and ensuring seamless transitions between static and moving surfaces. Furthermore, designs are increasingly accommodating for individuals with mobility challenges, heavy luggage, or strollers, improving overall accessibility.

These recent developments are profoundly impacting the moving walkway market by delivering systems that are not only more efficient and safer but also smarter and more adaptable. The integration of cutting-edge technologies and a strong focus on user experience are positioning moving walkways as indispensable components for efficient and inclusive urban mobility infrastructure.

Strategic Growth Opportunities in the Moving Walkway Market

The moving walkway market presents significant strategic growth opportunities across key applications, driven by global urbanization, expansion of transportation infrastructure, and the increasing demand for efficient and accessible people flow solutions. Capitalizing on these opportunities requires manufacturers to deliver innovative, application-specific solutions that enhance convenience, safety, and operational efficiency for diverse user groups.

• Airport Infrastructure Expansion: Airports represent a major growth opportunity, with increasing air travel driving the need for larger and more efficient terminals. Developing high-capacity, durable, and energy-efficient moving walkways for long corridors, concourses, and baggage claim areas can significantly enhance passenger experience and optimize traffic flow, offering substantial market potential.
• Public Transit Modernization: Modernization of metro stations, railway terminals, and bus hubs offers a robust growth avenue. Moving walkways facilitate seamless movement for large volumes of commuters, especially at peak times. Opportunities exist for robust, low-maintenance systems that can withstand heavy usage and integrate with existing public transportation networks.
• Shopping Malls and Retail Complexes: Large shopping centers and retail complexes continue to be key demand drivers. Moving walkways enhance customer convenience, particularly for those with shopping carts or multiple bags, by providing easy access between different floors or across expansive areas. Innovations in aesthetic design and smart features can further boost adoption.
• Exhibition Halls and Convention Centers: These large venues, hosting numerous events and attracting high foot traffic, offer a strong market for moving walkways. Providing efficient pedestrian movement over long distances or between multiple levels improves visitor experience, reduces fatigue, and ensures smooth crowd management during peak event periods.
• Healthcare Facilities and Hospitals: With the aging global population and increasing size of medical campuses, hospitals and healthcare facilities present an emerging opportunity. Moving walkways can assist patients, visitors, and staff, particularly those with mobility issues or carrying equipment, to navigate long corridors and connect different hospital wings efficiently, enhancing accessibility and comfort.

These strategic growth opportunities are significantly impacting the moving walkway market by driving specialized product development and expanding market penetration into diverse sectors. By focusing on enhancing passenger experience, optimizing operational efficiency, and addressing specific application needs, the market can unlock substantial growth, solidifying moving walkways as essential components of modern urban and commercial infrastructure.

Moving Walkway Market Driver and Challenges

The moving walkway market is influenced by a dynamic interplay of factors, including technological innovations, economic conditions, and evolving regulatory landscapes. Key drivers include accelerating urbanization and infrastructure development, coupled with a growing emphasis on enhancing passenger experience and accessibility. However, challenges such as high initial investment costs, stringent safety regulations, and the need for continuous maintenance present significant hurdles to widespread adoption.

The factors responsible for driving the moving walkway market include:

1. Rapid Urbanization and Infrastructure Development: The increasing global urban population and subsequent investment in urban infrastructure, including airports, metro stations, and large commercial complexes, is a primary driver. As cities expand, the need for efficient people flow solutions over long distances or between levels intensifies.

2. Growth in Air Travel and Airport Expansion: The continuous increase in global air passenger traffic necessitates expansion and modernization of airport terminals. Moving walkways are crucial for efficiently managing passenger flow across large airports, reducing walking fatigue, and improving overall passenger experience, driving significant demand.

3. Focus on Passenger Convenience and Accessibility: There is a growing societal emphasis on providing convenient and accessible public spaces. Moving walkways offer effortless mobility for individuals with heavy luggage, strollers, or mobility impairments, making public facilities more inclusive and enhancing the overall user experience.

4. Technological Advancements in Design and Efficiency: Ongoing innovations in motor technology, control systems, and material science are leading to more energy-efficient, reliable, and quieter moving walkways. These advancements reduce operational costs and enhance system performance, making them more attractive to end-users.

5. Rising Commercial Real Estate Development: The proliferation of large-scale commercial real estate projects, such as mega shopping malls, mixed-use developments, and exhibition centers, creates significant demand. These venues require efficient internal transportation systems to manage high footfall and improve customer flow.

Challenges in the moving walkway market are:

1. High Initial Installation and Maintenance Costs: The upfront capital required for installing moving walkways, especially for large-scale projects, is substantial. Additionally, ongoing maintenance, safety inspections, and potential component replacements contribute to high operational costs, which can deter smaller entities or those with budget constraints.

2. Stringent Safety Regulations and Compliance: Moving walkways are subject to rigorous safety standards and regulations globally. Adhering to these complex requirements during design, manufacturing, installation, and operation adds to the cost and complexity, and any failure to comply can lead to severe penalties or operational shutdowns.

3. Competition from Alternative Mobility Solutions: Moving walkways face competition from other vertical and horizontal transportation systems like escalators, elevators, and even autonomous shuttles. In some scenarios, these alternatives might be preferred due to specific architectural constraints, lower costs, or the nature of passenger flow, impacting market share.

The moving walkway market is poised for continued growth, primarily propelled by global urbanization and the relentless pursuit of seamless, accessible public spaces. However, the market must navigate the significant financial implications of advanced technology and stringent safety mandates, alongside competition from alternative solutions, to fully capitalize on its opportunities and address the evolving demands of modern infrastructure.

List of Moving Walkway Companies

Companies in the market compete on the basis of product quality offered. Major players in this market focus on expanding their manufacturing facilities, R&D investments, infrastructural development, and leverage integration opportunities across the value chain. With these strategies moving walkway companies cater increasing demand, ensure competitive effectiveness, develop innovative products & technologies, reduce production costs, and expand their customer base. Some of the moving walkway companies profiled in this report include-

• KONE Corporation
• Otis Elevator Company
• Schindler
• Mitsubishi Electric
• Fujitec
• Thyssenkrupp
• Hitachi
• Hyundai Elevator Company
• Toshiba Corporation
• Sigma Elevator Company

Moving Walkway Market by Segment

The study includes a forecast for the global moving walkway market by type, application, and region.

Moving Walkway Market by Type [Value from 2019 to 2031]:

• Parallel
• Multi-parallel
• Others

Moving Walkway Market by Application [Value from 2019 to 2031]:

• Public Transit
• Airports
• Retail
• Institutional
• Others

Country Wise Outlook for the Moving Walkway Market

The moving walkway market is experiencing significant growth globally, driven by increased urbanization, modernization of infrastructure, and a heightened focus on efficient people flow in public spaces. Technological advancements, particularly in energy efficiency, smart features, and safety, are reshaping product offerings. This dynamic evolution is crucial for enhancing convenience and accessibility in airports, shopping malls, and transportation hubs worldwide.

• United States: The U.S. market, a dominant force in moving walkways, is driven by extensive infrastructure development, particularly airport expansions, and a focus on automation in public spaces. Key players like Otis, Schindler, and TK Elevator are continuously improving product offerings, integrating IoT-enabled monitoring for efficiency and safety, and prioritizing strict safety regulations.
• China: China's moving walkway market is rapidly expanding due to swift urbanization and massive infrastructure projects, including new airports and metro stations. There's significant investment in smart city initiatives, leading to increased demand for efficient passenger transportation solutions. Domestic and international players are contributing to innovation and production to meet this growing need.
• Germany: Germany's market is characterized by high demand in urban areas with extensive public transport networks. Cities are upgrading metro systems and shopping complexes, incorporating more moving walkways for accessibility and passenger flow. Strong environmental regulations encourage the adoption of energy-efficient and eco-friendly solutions, aligning with smart city initiatives.
• India: India's airport moving walkway systems market is witnessing substantial growth, fueled by rapid urbanization and government efforts to enhance air travel accessibility. Ambitious plans to build new airports and upgrade existing ones are driving demand for advanced systems. Fujitec, Hitachi, and KONE are key players contributing to this expanding market.
• Japan: Japan's moving walkway market is steadily growing, influenced by high urbanization and a focus on optimizing space in densely populated areas. Leading in advanced technologies, Japanese manufacturers like Fujitec, Mitsubishi Electric, and Hitachi are incorporating energy-efficient designs and smart features for improved passenger convenience and operational efficiency in various public facilities.

Features of the Global Moving Walkway Market

• Market Size Estimates: Moving walkway market size estimation in terms of value ($B).
• Trend and Forecast Analysis: Market trends (2019 to 2024) and forecast (2025 to 2031) by various segments and regions.
• Segmentation Analysis: Moving walkway market size by type, application, and region in terms of value ($B).
• Regional Analysis: Moving walkway market breakdown by North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World.
• Growth Opportunities: Analysis of growth opportunities in different type, application, and regions for the moving walkway market.
• Strategic Analysis: This includes M&A, new product development, and competitive landscape of the moving walkway market.

Analysis of competitive intensity of the industry based on Porter's Five Forces model.

This report answers following 11 key questions:

• Q.1. What are some of the most promising, high-growth opportunities for the moving walkway market by type (parallel, multi-parallel, and others), application (public transit, airports, retail, institutional, and others), and region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World)?
• Q.2. Which segments will grow at a faster pace and why?
• Q.3. Which region will grow at a faster pace and why?
• Q.4. What are the key factors affecting market dynamics? What are the key challenges and business risks in this market?
• Q.5. What are the business risks and competitive threats in this market?
• Q.6. What are the emerging trends in this market and the reasons behind them?
• Q.7. What are some of the changing demands of customers in the market?
• Q.8. What are the new developments in the market? Which companies are leading these developments?
• Q.9. Who are the major players in this market? What strategic initiatives are key players pursuing for business growth?
• Q.10. What are some of the competing products in this market and how big of a threat do they pose for loss of market share by material or product substitution?
• Q.11. What M&A activity has occurred in the last 5 years and what has its impact been on the industry?