Icelandair uses AI image generator to predict how US airports will look in 2050
Icelandair, Iceland’s flagship airline providing transatlantic flights, has utilised an AI image generation tool to predict what some of the largest airports in the US could look like by 2050.
The AI image generation tool predicts how these airports will look and function in the coming years based on the current patterns in technological advancements and their perceived trajectory.
Below are the five airports the Travel Weekly team would love to check out in 2050!
Denver International Airport, Colorado
Denver International Airport is the largest airport in the US covering 33,531 acres.
According to AI, by 2050 the airport’s iconic peaked roofs of the main terminal, currently made from Teflon-coated fibreglass and steel, will be swapped for more energy-efficient glass structures to harness the sun’s solar power.
The airport terminals will be scattered further afield to allow more biophilic designs, incorporating green spaces into its many floors.
Orlando International Airport, Florida
Orlando International Airport in Florida is renowned for its unique fusion of a tropical environment and modern aesthetics, which is projected to reach new heights by 2050 according to AI.
A striking feature of this transformation is the central artificial river that flows through the airport, providing convenient transportation to various terminals. As you gaze up at the sky, an impressive array of aeroplanes can be observed, hinting at potential advancements in aircraft technology, including wingless designs and more streamlined shapes.
O’Hare International Airport, Illinois
Currently ranked as the third busiest airport in the United States, O’Hare Airport features distinct terminals, each characterised by its own unique architectural style, linked to departure gates through spacious concourse areas.
By 2050, AI predicts that O’Hare could be almost unrecognisable, expanding upwards and outwards. The remarkable transformation sees the airport become a sky-high structure, complete with domes and expansive internal roads, providing seamless connectivity across the airport.
John F Kennedy International Airport, New York
John F Kennedy Airport is the main international airport serving New York City, jutting out into Jamaica Bay. The airport’s architectural projection for 2050 includes two magnificent glass dome terminals at its core, linked to the mainland by a network of roads.
In the surrounding waters, there are hints of innovative aircraft designs that appear capable of taking off from water, reinforced by the absence of runways in the surrounding blueprint.
Similar to other airports, AI suggests an emphasis on architecture featuring glass structures and incorporating green elements.
Detroit Metropolitan Airport, Michigan
Detroit Metropolitan Airport is a prominent international airport located in Romulus, Michigan, encompassing an expansive area of 4,850 acres. The airport’s terminals are characterised by their contemporary and spacious design, boasting high ceilings and abundant natural light.
According to AI predictions, by 2050, the airport is set for substantial growth, more than doubling its current size. The futuristic expansion envisions a network of lounge hubs and terminals surrounding a breathtaking air traffic control tower.
Notably, the airport’s most remarkable feature lies in its exclusive use of steel structures and staggered floor layers extending outside the terminal, connected by an extensive system of thoroughfares.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
AI Denver International airport Icelandair O'Hare International Airport orlando international airportLatest News
Air Vanuatu set to fly again after court decides to allow restructure
Air Vanuatu will return to the skies after a restructure by Ernst and Young was approved today by the Supreme Court of Vanuatu. The national carrier is set to fly again, after the Supreme Court of Vanuatu ratified the Deed of Compromise approving an Ernst and Young-led restructure and transferring the company’s shares to AV3 […]
Riviera Travel River Cruises launches early bird sale for 2026
We hope there is a not a set of scale on these cruises, or a weight limit on the ships for that matter.
Qatar Airways expands to Canada with launch of Toronto flights
Qatar Airways will launch a new service to Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) starting on 11 December 2024, with three weekly non-stop flights from Hamad International Airport (DOH). As the airline’s fourteenth gateway to the Americas, the new Toronto route marks the airline’s second destination in Canada, joining Montréal which has served more than 1.6 […]
ATIA wins big with federal inquiry into tourism and international education
The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) has announced a positive advocacy development, with the Federal Parliament’s inquiry report into Australia’s tourism and international education sectors, incorporating many of ATIA’s key recommendations. The report, titled ‘Are we there yet?’: From recovery to resilience – opportunities and challenges for Australia’s tourism sector, reflects ATIA’s submission and evidence […]
Silversea announces development of the southernmost hotel on earth
Staying at this hotel is going to be absolutely terrifying if you are a flat earther!
Auckland and Rotorua launch ‘2 Easy’ campaign to attract Aussies
As an Aussie, we do feel very seen by this campaign. Thank you New Zealand.
AmaWaterways unveils progress in Colombia ahead of 2025 Launch
That's cruising in Colombia with an O not a U. There is a significant difference.
My Cruises announces exclusive collaboration with Norwegian Cruise Line
NCL is churning out the news lately, we can't imagine how chaotic the office must be.
Why cycle tourism is wheelie booming!
It takes a very brave sort of person to wear cycle shorts and here at Travel Weekly we respect bravery.
Tauck, Disney Destinations and Washington DC release the industry Bucket List and Luxury Travel
If you need a big white gloved hand putting together a list of things to do before you die, this is Mickey Mouse!
Travel planning is not a box of cereal, say agents in response to ALDI portal launch
Good. Different. Agents aren't so sure buying an angle grinder and a holiday from the same place is such a good idea.
Guests as Phuket’s Trisara Resort set to experience two nights of culinary excellence
Don't let this white sandy beach fool you, there's serious foodie stuff happening at Trisara Resort this month.
OUTRIGGER Reef Waikiki Beach Resort new general manager named
This place is as famous as Steve McGarrett, of Hawaii Five-0 fame, and almost as stylish as the original's hairdo!
Aussie agents live it up in South America with Chimu Adventures
If you missed out on this one, Chimu says there's more famils on the horizon... Happy selling!
WATCH: TTC Tour Brands European Rendezvous launch event with sales manager Mickey Mann
To be honest it would be criminal to have the name Mickey Mann and be a wallflower. Shine Mickey, shine.
New offerings at W Hollywood unveiled alongside a refresh and amenities upgrade
No trip to LA would be complete with a rooftop bar visit and star-spotting, and the W Hollywood ticks those boxes.
The EVE Hotel Sydney releases official design gallery
Got a penchant for fine design? We suggest an evening at the EVE!
Visit Qatar launches a new global campaign
As Qatar prepares to take 25% of Virgin, it's also bumping up it's tourism messaging. Coincidence? We think not...
WATCH: First plane lands on new Western Sydney Airport
If you weren't already across this news, we consider ourselves as bigger plane geeks than you!
Iconic ‘Spirit of Sydney’ artwork takes pride of place at ICC Sydney
International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney), managed by ASM Global, has announced the addition of the monumental artwork ‘Spirit of Sydney’ by renowned Australian artist Frank Hodgkinson to its collection. Normally reserved for event attendees, members of the community were able to view the iconic ‘Spirit of Sydney’ mural at the venue’s art tours, guided […]
Australian Airport Association names Simon Westaway as CEO
With all the turbulence happening in the airport sector, it's fair to say that Westaway is not afraid of a challenge.
Sydney Airport announces Australia’s first flights to Beijing Daxing
If you want to go into space but can't afford it, just go for a trip to this spacey-looking airport.
Carnival Cruise Line unveils 2026/27 itineraries, including short getaways
Grab the kids and get yourself on a Carnival Cruise, or leave the kids with the grandparents, we won't judge...
Qantas shares drop 4.5% following Qatar-Virgin deal
We'll be interested to see if Joe Aston's book on 'How Qantas sold us out' impacts QF share prices later this month.
Tauck’s David Clark on holidaying with the brand that offers it all… And more: Travel Weekly TV
Looking to take 10 minutes off this 'hump day'? Enjoy the calming tones of our GM, Hoda and Tauck, MD David.
Destination NSW partners with GZL International Travel Service to boost tourism from China
Just like all the people featured in this image, we're giving this news a big thumbs up!
Royal Caribbean and Ponting Wines partner for exclusive wine-focused cruises for 2024-2025 season
Could you imagine enjoying the last session of a test match with a drop of Ponting at sea? With Royal Caribbean you can!
Back-Roads Touring launches BIG Promo campaign
We've used it before, but small group touring doesn't mean you have to be under 180cm.
Reflection Holidays begins work on $4m luxury tent precinct following government investment
We'd much rather be glamping under the stars than be subject to watching an episode of Dancing With The Stars!
Popular Sunshine Coast tourist attraction partners with Jinibara People to launch Bush Tucker Garden
You can now dive into the Sunshine Coast's Indigenous culture and brush up on your survival skills at the same time!
Norwegian Cruise Lines doubles down on giving cruisers ‘More’ in new brand positioning
Clearly the top dogs at NCL don't go by the motto, 'less is more'...
World Expeditions responds to flooding and landslides in Nepal
We joked about World Expeditions here in yesterday's newsletter, but today we think this news deserves some real kudos!
TFE Hotels and Heritage Hotels announce strategic partnership to enhance NZ portfolio
If partnerships were a room type, this one would definitely be a “luxury suite”!
Etihad Airways offers price cuts on flights for European winter
Etihad Airways has launched deals on select destinations for flights booked by 4 October for travel starting now until 22 March 2025. Round-trip economy fares start from $1,216 to Barcelona, and business fares start from $6,016 for a trip to Vienna. If you book directly on the website you can win a free stopover in […]
Women in Travel: Flight Centre’s Monique Van Gelder on not taking the easy road
Lessons can be learnt from mistakes... They can also be learnt by listening to industry guns like Monique Van Gelder!
Celebrity Cruises announces 2026-27 deployment
We told you it's cruise month this week, and it's already living up to its name with the amount of news we're getting!