AR/VR and Metaverse at Airports: Navigation Assistance and Sightseeing Experience

Entry requirements

Please use this Research Proposal, Personal statement and CV: GUIDE when preparing an application.

Months of entry

Anytime

Course content

Metaverse airport navigation is an innovative use of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) to enhance passenger experience. This could be a tool for helping passengers navigate large, complex airports, providing real-time assistance and guidance. Using VR or AR headsets or even mobile apps, passengers can receive step-by-step directions to navigate the airport. The metaverse can guide them through check-in counters, security, gates, lounges, and baggage claim. Chatbots or AI-driven virtual assistants could provide real-time flight updates, gate changes, and airport services, all while answering questions like where to find certain services and facilities, restaurants, duty-free shops and emergency exits. Passengers could explore the airport beforehand, getting familiar with the layout to reduce stress and confusion. With AR glasses or a smartphone app, users could point their device toward various signs or locations and receive additional information on screen. Instead of searching for physical signs, passengers could simply look at their device for immediate context and directions. Interactive digital maps in the metaverse could show the entire airport’s layout, with real-time updates such as crowded areas, wait times at security, or restaurant availability. While waiting for their flights, passengers could enter a virtual lounge in the metaverse, relaxing in immersive environments. It could simulate various locations (tropical beach, forest, etc.). With the help of VR headsets, passengers could “walk” through a 3D virtual version of the airport, understanding where they need to go and how long it will take to get there. This can be particularly helpful for those with anxiety, first-time flyers or international passengers. The metaverse can alleviate confusion and anxiety by providing clear and interactive directions. By avoiding unnecessary detours or confusion, passengers can save time. People with disabilities or those requiring extra assistance can benefit from more personalized guidance. Passengers can enjoy personalized services and virtual environments tailored to their preferences. Support provided to passengers is not limited to airport terminals only but also includes airport surface access. It means that passengers are guided to ground transport modes of transportation ensuring smooth travel from destination airport to accommodations or business venues.

Metaverse airport destination sightseeing is another exciting and immersive concept where passengers can explore a virtual version of their destination before their flight. It combines the idea of tourism with the metaverse, allowing passengers to experience a city or country without leaving the airport, or to explore their next stop from a virtual perspective before traveling there. Airports could offer VR or AR stations where passengers can experience a preview of their destination city or country. Passengers can enjoy virtual tours of museums, historical landmarks, or natural wonders from around the world before reaching their destination. Passengers could watch immersive 360-degree videos of famous tourist destinations, local festivals, or exciting adventures available at their destination. A gamified sightseeing experience could be introduced where passengers, especially children, participate in virtual treasure hunts based on their travel destination. They could complete challenges or quizzes about the culture, history, or attractions of the city they are about to visit. In addition to sightseeing, passengers could use AR to "see" local items or souvenirs from their destination. AR could show how these items are used in the local culture. Airport dining areas could be transformed into virtual destinations letting passengers experience the flavours and sights of their destinations even before landing. Upon arrival at the destination airport, passengers could take a "virtual re-entry" experience that prepares them for local sights and activities. The virtual sightseeing experience could also extend to the airplane. Airlines could offer virtual destination previews through VR headsets on board, giving passengers a sneak peek of what to expect when they arrive. Such solutions become more appealing since airlines have introduced stayover and stopover programmes allowing passengers to explore transit destinations.

As virtual and augmented reality technologies improve, these experiences could become more lifelike, interactive, and even multi-sensory (e.g., involving taste, smell, or haptic feedback). The metaverse could offer an even more deeply immersive sightseeing experience, enhancing not only the journey but the entire travel experience from start to finish.

The final scope, aims and focus of the postgraduate research will be discussed with an applicant to consider his / her education, professional experience, career aspirations and interests.

Fees and funding

This programme is self-funded.

To enquire about University of Salford funding schemes – including the Widening Participation Scholarship – visit this website.