Moving walks, also known as moving sidewalks or travelators, are a common sight in many public spaces. They offer a convenient way to move people quickly and efficiently over short to medium distances. As a supplier of moving walks, I often get asked about where these devices are more commonly found: airports or shopping malls? In this blog post, I’ll explore the prevalence of moving walks in both settings, highlighting the unique benefits and considerations for each. Moving Walk

Moving Walks in Airports
Airports are one of the most common places to find moving walks. These large transportation hubs are designed to handle a high volume of passengers, and moving walks play a crucial role in facilitating the flow of people. Here are some reasons why moving walks are so prevalent in airports:
1. Long Distances
Airports are often vast, with terminals that can span several kilometers. Moving walks help passengers cover these long distances quickly and easily, reducing fatigue and saving time. For example, in large international airports like Dubai International Airport or Atlanta Hartsfield – Jackson International Airport, moving walks are strategically placed throughout the terminals to connect different gates, concourses, and baggage claim areas.
2. High – Traffic Areas
Airports experience a constant stream of passengers, especially during peak travel times. Moving walks can handle a large number of people simultaneously, helping to manage the traffic flow. They are particularly useful in areas where there is a high concentration of passengers, such as near security checkpoints, boarding gates, and immigration areas.
3. Enhanced Passenger Experience
In today’s competitive aviation market, airports are constantly looking for ways to improve the passenger experience. Moving walks contribute to a more comfortable and stress – free journey for travelers. They allow passengers to relax and enjoy the journey, rather than having to rush through the airport.
4. Accessibility
Moving walks are an important accessibility feature in airports. They provide a convenient option for passengers with disabilities, the elderly, or those traveling with heavy luggage. By making it easier for these passengers to move around the airport, moving walks ensure that everyone can access the facilities and services they need.
Moving Walks in Shopping Malls
Shopping malls are another popular location for moving walks. These commercial centers are designed to attract a large number of shoppers, and moving walks can enhance the overall shopping experience. Here are some reasons why moving walks are commonly found in shopping malls:
1. Multi – Level Design
Many shopping malls are built with multiple levels, and moving walks provide an easy way for shoppers to move between floors. They eliminate the need for shoppers to use stairs or elevators, which can be time – consuming and inconvenient. For example, in large shopping malls like the Mall of America in the United States or the Dubai Mall in the UAE, moving walks are used to connect different levels of the mall, making it easier for shoppers to explore the various stores and attractions.
2. Promote Foot Traffic
Moving walks can help to increase foot traffic within a shopping mall. By making it easier for shoppers to move around, they encourage people to explore more areas of the mall, which can lead to increased sales for retailers. Additionally, moving walks can create a sense of movement and energy within the mall, making it a more attractive and engaging place to shop.
3. Comfort and Convenience
Shopping can be tiring, especially when walking long distances. Moving walks provide a comfortable and convenient way for shoppers to rest while still moving through the mall. This can enhance the overall shopping experience, making it more enjoyable for customers.
4. Aesthetic Appeal
Moving walks can also add to the aesthetic appeal of a shopping mall. They are often designed to blend in with the overall architecture and decor of the mall, creating a modern and sophisticated look. This can help to attract more shoppers and enhance the mall’s brand image.
Comparing the Prevalence
So, are moving walks more common in airports or shopping malls? The answer is not straightforward, as it depends on several factors.
In terms of density, airports may have a higher concentration of moving walks. Airports are designed to handle a large number of passengers in a relatively small area, and moving walks are an essential part of the infrastructure. In a large airport, you may find moving walks in almost every terminal, connecting various areas such as gates, check – in counters, and baggage claim.
On the other hand, shopping malls are more numerous than airports. There are thousands of shopping malls around the world, and many of them are equipped with moving walks. While the density of moving walks in a single mall may be lower than in an airport, the overall number of moving walks in shopping malls may be higher due to the sheer number of malls.
Considerations for Installation
As a moving walk supplier, I understand the importance of considering the specific needs of each location when installing moving walks. Here are some factors to consider for both airports and shopping malls:
For Airports
- Traffic Patterns: Analyze the flow of passengers in different areas of the airport to determine the optimal placement of moving walks. For example, moving walks should be placed in high – traffic areas such as near security checkpoints and boarding gates.
- Durability: Airports experience heavy use, so moving walks need to be durable and able to withstand constant wear and tear. Choose high – quality materials and components that can handle the high volume of passengers.
- Safety: Safety is a top priority in airports. Moving walks should be equipped with safety features such as emergency stop buttons, handrails, and anti – slip surfaces.
For Shopping Malls
- Aesthetics: Moving walks should blend in with the overall design and decor of the shopping mall. Consider the color, style, and finish of the moving walk to ensure it complements the mall’s architecture.
- Capacity: Determine the expected number of shoppers in the mall to select the appropriate capacity of the moving walk. This will ensure that the moving walk can handle the traffic without overcrowding.
- Noise Level: Since shopping malls are places where people come to relax and shop, it’s important to choose moving walks that operate quietly. This will enhance the overall shopping experience for customers.
Conclusion

Moving walks are a valuable addition to both airports and shopping malls. In airports, they help to manage the flow of passengers over long distances, enhance the passenger experience, and provide accessibility. In shopping malls, they promote foot traffic, offer comfort and convenience to shoppers, and add to the aesthetic appeal. While it’s difficult to say whether moving walks are more common in airports or shopping malls, both settings benefit greatly from their installation.
Car Elevator If you’re considering installing moving walks in your airport or shopping mall, I’d be happy to discuss your specific needs and provide you with a customized solution. Our team of experts has extensive experience in designing, installing, and maintaining moving walks, and we can ensure that you get the best product for your project. Contact us today to start the conversation about your moving walk requirements.
References
- Airport Design and Planning: Principles and Practices, 3rd Edition, by John D. Kasarda and A. Trevor Wood
- Shopping Mall Design: Principles and Concepts, by Peter D. Smith
Zhejiang Fujim Elevator Co., Ltd
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