Traveling through airports can be chaotic — tight schedules, changing gates, and last-minute delays add to the stress. That’s where modern Flight Information Display Systems (FIDS) come in. These airport digital signage boards deliver real-time flight, gate, and schedule updates so passengers stay informed, and airport staff can coordinate efficiently. In a world moving at the speed of travel, FIDS ensure clarity, ease, and a smoother airport experience.

Key Takeaways:

• Flight Information Display Systems (FIDS) are airport digital signage screens that show real-time flight, gate, and schedule data.
• Modern FIDS improve passenger flow, reduce confusion, and enable effective communication across terminals.
• They also allow airports to deliver targeted advertising, announcements, and important alerts — boosting revenue and engagement.
• The future points to smart, AI-enabled signage networks that adapt dynamically.
• Poppulo’s cloud-based digital signage platform powers FIDS and more — centralizing display management, real-time updates, and messaging for airports.

What Are Flight Information Display Systems?

Airport display boards have been around seemingly forever, but the digitized version known as FIDs are fairly recent. FIDs are LCD or LED screens that are used to demonstrate real-time flight information to passengers. The displays are typically located inside and around an airport terminal, but most airports also link the content back to their websites.

Each line on a FID refers to a specific flight number and typically contains the following information:

• The IATA/IACO airline designator or the name and logo
• The city of origin/destination and any layovers
• The expected arrival/departure time
• Any updated times or delays
• The gate number
• The check-in counter number or the name of the airline
• The flight status, i.e. landing, delayed or boarded

The way this data is conveyed depends on the type and style of the display. Some airports choose to sort the lines by city, while others may do so by airline name or time.

Key Functions of FIDS in Airports

Modern flight information display systems serve multiple critical functions beyond basic flight tracking:

Real-time flight tracking: Each display line shows a specific flight number with current status updates—boarding, delayed, departed, or landed. Passengers get accurate information the moment changes occur.

Gate and terminal navigation: FIDS help travelers find their gates by displaying terminal locations, concourse information, and walking distances. This reduces the time passengers spend searching for their departure areas.

Check-in counter assignments: Displays show which counters serve specific airlines and flights, directing passengers efficiently through the check-in process.

Baggage carousel information: Arriving passengers can quickly locate their luggage by viewing real-time baggage information displays (BIDs) showing which carousel handles their flight.

Each FIDS line typically includes:

• Airline logo or IATA/ICAO designator
• Origin or destination city
• Scheduled and updated departure/arrival times
• Gate number and terminal location
• Flight status indicators
• Check-in counter assignments

How FIDS Integrate With Airport Operations

Flight information display systems don't operate in isolation—they're part of a connected ecosystem. FIDS pull data directly from AODBs, which collect information from:

• Air traffic control systems
• Airline check-in platforms
• Gate management software
• Weather monitoring systems
• Ground handling operations

This integration means when an airline updates a gate assignment in their system, the change reflects instantly across all FIDS screens throughout the airport. The same applies to delays, cancellations, and boarding updates. This synchronized communication prevents conflicting information and keeps passengers informed through accurate, consistent messaging.

Gate information displays (GIDs) work alongside FIDS at individual gates, showing detailed information specific to that flight. Together, these passenger information systems create a comprehensive communication network that guides travelers from check-in to boarding.

Types of Airport Digital Signage

And FIDs aren’t the only type of common airport digital signage. Gate Information Displays (GIDs) and Baggage Information Displays (BIDs) are also helping passengers in airports all over the world. Each passenger information solution is designed to pull relevant, real-time data from specific Airport Operation Databases (AODBs) and display it wherever it’s most relevant. Airports also use:

• Wayfinding stations
• Readerboards
• Vendor advertising
• Live data streaming
• Employee communications
• Meeting room signage

Gate Information Displays (GIDs)

Gate Information Displays provide passengers with the most immediate, flight-specific updates as they wait to board. These screens show:

• Boarding status
• Zone or group information
• Last-minute gate changes
• Safety reminders and airline announcements

GIDs reduce confusion at busy gates and help staff manage boarding more efficiently.

Baggage Claim and Wayfinding Screens

These screens guide travelers through key parts of the airport journey.

• Baggage claim displays show carousel numbers, bag status, and alerts about delays or oversized luggage.
• Wayfinding screens offer directions to check-in counters, gates, restrooms, restaurants, lounges, and exits.

Together, they keep passengers moving smoothly, reduce bottlenecks, and improve the overall airport experience.

Vendor and Retail Advertising Displays

Airports use digital signage to promote shops, restaurants, services, and duty-free deals. These displays can run:

• Targeted ads based on passenger flow
• Limited-time offers
• Restaurant menus or promotions
• Lounge access upgrades or service upsells

Advertising screens support non-aeronautical revenue while enhancing passenger engagement during wait times.

Benefits of Flight Information Display Systems

When FIDs were first created, it was done so through a split-flap display that was managed electronically. All content was static and numbers were never updated in real-time. This often left travelers lost and upset—which subsequently affected the stress levels of employees.

Since the integration of FIDs with digital and dynamic content, the advantages of this system are much more tangible and quantifiable. Time constraints, budget restrictions and changing flight info are all issues that can be addressed with airport display boards. The following are some of the key benefits airport facilities are seeing with airport digital signage:

• Enhanced traveler experience
• The ability to steer traffic and drive revenue
• Streamlined passenger flow
• Improved vendor relations
• Elevated employee communications
• Optimized daily operations

Digital signage is not only integral in helping travelers find the information they need, airports have discovered a multitude of other advantages that make it worthwhile.

Improve Passenger Experience and Reduce Confusion

Clear, accessible information is what passengers want most. FIDS screens eliminate the frustration of hunting for flight details by displaying updates exactly where travelers need them. When gate changes happen, passengers see notifications immediately rather than discovering the change only after walking to the wrong location.

Digital displays also reduce stress by providing consistent information across all screens. Passengers can check their flight status from multiple locations throughout the terminal, confirming details without approaching a service desk. This self-service access means fewer questions for staff and more confident travelers.

For international passengers navigating unfamiliar airports, visual display systems with clear airline logos and city names transcend language barriers. The standardized format makes it easy to find relevant information quickly, regardless of which airport a traveler is visiting.

Enhance Real-Time Communication and Accuracy

Flight schedules change constantly due to weather, air traffic, mechanical issues, and operational adjustments. FIDS update instantly when flights face delays or gate changes, ensuring passengers receive accurate information the moment it's available.

This real-time accuracy prevents the domino effect of missed connections and confused passengers crowding service counters. Staff spend less time answering repetitive questions about flight status because displays show current information continuously.

Airport display technology also improves operational efficiency for airline and ground staff. When everyone—from gate agents to baggage handlers—sees the same live data, coordination improves across departments. This synchronized communication reduces errors and helps operations run more smoothly during both routine days and unexpected disruptions.

Support Revenue Through Advertising and Messaging

Flight information display systems create valuable opportunities for additional revenue streams. Airports can display targeted advertising alongside flight information, reaching captive audiences with high engagement rates. Travelers waiting in terminals often have time to notice promotional content, making FIDS screens prime real estate for advertisers.

Concessions and retail vendors can promote special offers at strategic times—breakfast deals during morning hours, duty-free promotions near departure gates, or restaurant specials during meal times. This dynamic messaging capability allows airports to maximize commercial opportunities while still prioritizing passenger information.

Some airports also use FIDS screens to promote airport services, ground transportation options, and local tourism information. This multi-purpose approach turns passenger information systems into versatile communication tools that serve both operational and commercial goals.

The Future of Digital FIDS and Airport Communication

Digital signage is constantly improving how airports and airlines communicate with travelers. Commercial aviation has already begun the industry-wide overhaul of static signage, quickly replacing outdated communication mediums with digital signage.

Additionally, the entertainment and marketing aspects of airport signage are limitless. As society continues to rely on digital forms of communication, FIDs, BIDs, GIDs, wayfinding stations and other types of airport digital signage solutions will become even more prevalent than they already are.

Smart Airports and Predictive Information Systems

AI is helping airports shift from reactive to predictive communication. Instead of only showing current flight status, AI-powered FIDS can forecast delays using weather data, air traffic trends, and historical patterns. Passengers may soon see early alerts before official announcements.

IoT sensors will add even more insight by tracking crowd levels, security wait times, and facility conditions. This data can appear on FIDS screens to help travelers plan their movements.

Personalized wayfinding will also grow — screens that sync with mobile apps and display info tailored to a specific traveler, like gate details or the fastest route. Machine learning will refine displays further by adjusting content based on what passengers need most at each location.

Sustainability Through Digital Transformation

Digital FIDS reduce reliance on printed signs and schedules, cutting waste and energy use. LED screens use far less power than older systems, and cloud-based platforms eliminate the need for energy-heavy on-site servers.

When layouts or routes change, airports can update screens instantly instead of replacing physical signage — saving materials and reducing emissions. Some airports are even powering their signage networks with renewable energy, making FIDS an eco-friendly choice for modern terminals.

How Poppulo Enhances Airport Communication With Digital Signage

Airports need reliable, scalable systems to manage complex communication networks spanning thousands of screens across multiple terminals. Poppulo offers a full-fledged, cloud-based digital signage platform that is highly suited for airport environments and FIDS deployment.

Centralize Flight and Gate Information in Real Time

• Poppulo supports “Flight & Information Boards” as a dedicated use case, enabling live flight info on screens across the airport.
• Because the platform is cloud-based and built for scale, airports can manage hundreds or thousands of screens across terminals seamlessly.

Manage Multiple Displays and Endpoints Effortlessly

• Poppulo’s enterprise-grade CMS lets you schedule, update, and monitor display content across devices — whether media players, video walls, or traditional displays.
• It supports different hardware types (Windows, Android, BrightSign, video walls, touchscreens, etc.), giving airports flexibility in deployment.

Deliver Passenger Messaging, Alerts, and Promotions From One Platform

• Beyond flight info, Poppulo’s signage can power wayfinding, alerts, promotions, adverts — turning screens into multipurpose communication tools.
• Its analytics and insights help measure which messages work, helping airports optimize display content and maximize ROI.

Smart, AI-Powered Signage for the Future

• With newly announced AI-enabled tools (including the “Analyze” and “Designer” agents), Poppulo is bringing automation, intelligent content scheduling, layout optimization, and data-driven insights to digital signage.
• This means less manual work for ops teams and more dynamic, responsive signage controlled from a central system — ideal for large, busy airports.

Learn More About Poppulo's Digital Signage Solutions

Conclusion

FIDS — powered by modern airport digital signage — are at the heart of efficient, passenger-friendly airports. They reduce confusion, streamline operations, and open new opportunities for revenue and communication. As airports evolve, scalable and flexible digital signage is no longer a nice-to-have but a necessity. Platforms like Poppulo make it simple: real-time flight updates, centralized control, smart messaging, and even advertising — all from one cloud-based system. For today’s airports, that’s a smart flight path forward.

FAQs

What is a Flight Information Display System (FIDS)?

FIDS are electronic display boards in airports that show real-time flight, gate, schedule, and status information for arrivals and departures.

How do digital FIDS improve airport efficiency?

Digital FIDS ensure accurate, up-to-date information, reduce confusion, speed up boarding processes, and allow airports to communicate changes or alerts instantly across multiple screens.

What technologies are used in modern FIDS?

Modern FIDS use digital signage software and hardware (LED, LCD, video-walls), media players or integrated displays, and backend systems linked to airport databases. Some platforms also use AI and analytics to optimize messaging and content delivery.

Can FIDS integrate with other airport systems?

Yes — FIDS typically connect to an airport’s central operations database (AODB) or flight-information system so they update automatically whenever flight data changes. They can also integrate with wayfinding, alerts, or airport communication systems.

How does Poppulo support digital airport displays?

Poppulo offers a cloud-based digital signage platform that supports flight & information boards, wayfinding, alerts, advertising, and more. It works across varied hardware, scales to hundreds or thousands of screens, and now includes AI-driven tools to automate content creation, scheduling, and analytics — enabling airports to manage all displays, messaging, and signage from one central system.