Last updated on: 14 July 2026

Interior planting at an airport ensures a relaxed and positive travel experience by effectively reducing passenger stress. In addition, a green, calming environment boosts customer satisfaction, which demonstrably leads to higher spending in the on-site shops. Living plants, artificial planting, and green walls transform busy terminals into comfortable, welcoming spaces.

Why planting is essential to the passenger experience

Airports and air travel can be highly stressful. Passengers at the airport regularly face delayed or cancelled flights, missing luggage, and long queues. The strategic design of an airport plays a major role in reversing this negative energy. A thoughtful layout incorporating natural elements helps create a pleasant experience for both travellers and service technicians.

Direct impact on retail revenue

A pleasant atmosphere influences well-being and drives commercial results. An independent North America Airport satisfaction survey by J.D. Power and Associates concluded:

"When passengers reported high satisfaction with an airport, they tended to increase their spending in the retail shops."

Interior planting is therefore a functional tool that designers and architects can use to optimise the travel experience and increase retail revenue at the airport.

Our experts on the power of biophilia

In our daily work, we see that integrating natural elements into large public spaces has a direct impact on the well-being of those present. Our experts apply the principles of biophilia—the innate human desire to connect with nature.

From our practical experience, we find that strategically placed greenery offers significant benefits:

  • Stress reduction: Green zones offer a point of calm in a hectic environment full of sensory stimuli.
  • Improved acoustics: Large plants and green walls help dampen ambient noise on busy airports.
  • Visual routing: Planting can be used to guide foot traffic naturally.
  • Flexible atmosphere creators: In areas with limited natural light, high-quality artificial planting offers a perfect, low-maintenance alternative.
     

Case study: Vancouver International Airport (YVR)

An international success story for Ambius is the interior planting at Vancouver International Airport (YVR). This project was designed by Ambius designer Joanne Craft, in close collaboration with international architect Nancy Stern. Together, they brought the outdoors inside at this Canadian airport.

Vancouver International Airport

Nancy Stern explains the concept:

"All the architecture at Vancouver International Airport seems to celebrate the natural beauty and cultural heritage of British Columbia, with each part of the airport reflecting a specific geographical region."

Scientific foundation

Ambius designer Joanne Craft based her plant selection on proven theories. She shared her thoughts on the effectiveness of these elements:

"The American biologist, Edward O Wilson, developed theories on biophilia, which he defined as 'the innate connection that humans seek with other organisms and especially the natural world.' Wilson found that people are drawn to environments with features found in nature. Therefore, I believe that having plants in airports helps people feel comfortable and relaxed."

The results of this green partnership speak for themselves. The airport won several prestigious awards thanks in part to this unique experience:

  • Airport of the Year: In 2016, Vancouver International Airport won this award for the seventh consecutive year as the best airport in North America.

  • Best Airport in the World: The CAPA Centre for Aviation (CAPAC) also named YVR the best airport in the world in 2016.
     

Professional care and maintenance

To keep plants at an airport permanently beautiful, vital, and representative, professional maintenance is essential. Our service technicians take care of all the practical details. By regularly monitoring plant health, providing the correct plant nutrients, and delivering expert care, we ensure the greenery remains in top condition. This keeps the look optimal and ensures airports maintain their calming effect on travellers.