Dubai Airport

10 Best Airports In The World For Shopping!

For some travellers airport shopping may mean discounted foreign liquor or high-end chocolates and sweets, but frequent international fliers know well that hubs around the globe are stepping up their retail game.

A little retail therapy can make hours spent waiting at an airport fly by.

Why waste valuable time dragging heavy bags around the city when all of your shopping needs can be fulfilled at the airport on your way home?

To intrigue the inner shopaholic in you, here are the 10 best airports in the world for shopping

1.London Heathrow Airport, England

Europe’s busiest airport boasts of a 42000 square feet shopping space which is spread over 4 terminals.

You will find everything from pocket-friendly goods to premium products from world-renowned brands.

Things like perfumes, skin care products, alcohol and chocolates are available at all terminals but if you’re looking for items from brands like Burberry, Dior, Gucci and Cartier visit the airport’s Terminal 3.

Terminal 5 of the airport showcases the best of British design and craftsmanship with brands like Mulberry, Paul Smith, Links of London, and Smythson showcasing their products to departing passengers.

2.Singapore Changi International Airport, Malaysia

Singapore’s Changi Airport has been awarded the best airport in the world for the past 6 consecutive years, thanks to its beautiful architecture, efficient operation, luxurious amenities, dining and shopping.

You’ll get to enjoy products with prices which are comparatively cheaper than most airports around the world.

If you have time to spare, you can indulge yourself at the duty-free shops which are located in Terminal 1.

It has the widest range of beauty and skincare products amongst Asia Pacific airports, with more than 190 international brands on display.

You can buy electronic items like printers, laptops ,computer accessories from renowned brands and is a paradise for gamers with an extensive range of software and hardware from Sony PlayStation on display.

A wide selection of the world’s most premium wines and spirits is available, with an alcohol sampling bar where you can taste and buy.

3.Hong Kong International Airport, China

The city has a culture of shopping, which you can experience at the airport as well.

‘SkyMart’ in Terminal 1 and ‘SkyPlaza’ in Terminal 2 have the kind of retail space which would make any shopaholic jump with joy.

SkyMart has a “Downtown Pricing Guarantee,” so the price you pay at the airport will not be higher than what you would pay in the city.

The airport is not only about high-end products either. There’s a good mix of both premium and locally branded products on display.

4.Hammad/Doha International Airport, Saudi Arabia

If you have a long-haul flight with a layover in Doha, time will fly by thanks to the wide array of restaurants and shops in ‘Qatar Duty-Free’ located inside the airport.

It consists of a shopping plaza spanning over 40.000 square meters and comprising more than 30 fine dining establishments and 70 luxury retail stores.

Products like leather goods, designer bags, watches, jewellery, perfumes, souvenirs, travel gifts etc are available apart from the usual tax-free tobacco and liquor.

Luxury brands like Burberry, Carolina Herrera, Giorgio Armani, Godiva, Harrods, Hugo Boss, Ralph Lauren & Rolex have their goods displayed for passengers.

It’s a bit on the expensive side but the experience is defiantly worth it!

5.Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, Netherlands.

Schiphol airport in Amsterdam is the perfect paradise for shoppers on a tight budget.

It is regarded as one of the best airports for shopping because of its unique offers which run mostly round the year.

With discounts and promotions such as ‘Buy 2 Get 3 Free’ on premium products, it can make any passenger think twice before moving to the boarding gate.

You can check out the latest offers and discounts at Schiphol Airport’s Official Site.

6.Incheon International Airport, South Korea

South Korea’s main international gateway in Seoul, the Incheon International Airport, is most popular for items such as perfumes, cosmetics, alcohol and cigarettes.

It’s regarded as the best one-stop shopping place for world travellers.

The shopping plaza is located in Terminal 1 and has more than 200 popular brands located in one place.

It offers reliable products at reasonable prices and the best quality services.

7.Dubai International Airport, UAE

Dubai International Airport has been one of the top three (based on total sales) duty-free retailer for a couple of years now.

Alcohol, perfumes and gold are the must-buys in the Sheikh Rashid Terminal (also known as the Concourse) which is home to majority of the shops.

Open 24/7, there’s 58,125 square feet of retail heaven with products from premium brands up for grabs.

8.Zurich International Airport, Switzerland

Zurich Airport calls its shopping area ‘Paradise’, and it might well be, based on the reviews from frequent flyers around the world.

Switzerland is one of the last places in Europe where fliers can still buy duty-free goods.

Perfumes, cosmetics, alcohol, tobacco and, of course, fine Swiss chocolates can all be pre-ordered via their website if you’re all about the bargains.

If you’re in the mood for browsing, you’ll be in for a treat, with various Swiss brands displaying their products.

Also, if you purchase stuff worth 250 Swizz Franc or more, you can check-in through their ‘Fast Track’ security queue.

9.Vancouver International Airport, Canada

Vancouver International Airport has often been voted the best airport in North America.

And one of the main reasons the airport is so highly regarded is the nearby designer outlet mall – McArthurGlen Designer Outlet.

Fashion savvy travellers can browse designer names like Armani, Coach and Banana Republic along with world-famous brands which are situated alongside top-notch restaurants and stylish coffee houses.

Prices are also reduced (up to 70%), making Vancouver Airport all the more attractive to the savvy spender. The outlet is currently being expanded to house another 35 new premium lifestyle brands.

10.Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, France

Being one of the largest airports in Europe, Paris’ Charles de Gaulle airport may not be the most attractive, but it does house a sea of shops.

And this being Paris, the fashion capital of the world, exclusive brand names and designer boutiques that can be seen on the streets can also be found on the airport’s three terminals.

However, Terminal 2 is perhaps best if it’s luxury you’re after. It is home to upmarket brands such as Hermès, Salvatore Ferragamo and Longchamp.

Now that we’ve got you excited about shopping at the airport, why not install the AirWhizz App. Get all the information about different airport shops along with real-time flight updates, airline information and much more on your fingertips and Fly Stress-Free!

 

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Indian Airports Left Vulnerable Due To Lack Of CCTV Cameras!

In an annual audit conducted by Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), it was found that security at Indian airports is not as tight as it should be.

CISF has highlighted that there are “Dark Zones” at 34 airports in India. These zones have been created due to a lack of CCTV cameras at these airports.

‘Dark Zone’ is a term used by authorities to identify areas inside the airport which cannot be seen by the security through CCTV cameras. Dark zones arise due to modification work inside terminal areas or change in the airport layout

According to CISF’s audit report, there is a deficiency of 1,882 cameras at these 34 airports and many of them don’t have a ‘Digital Video Recording System’. This hampers the CISF’s investigation process.

Apart from CCTV cameras, the audit report also addresses other security issues such as shortage of baggage X-ray machines, bomb detectors and walkie-talkies at airports across the country.

According to a CISF officer, passengers are occasionally checked at entry gates based on profiling. For that, they need  X-ray machines, Hand-Held Metal Detectors (HHMDs), Door-Frame Metal Detectors (DFMDs) and Explosive Trace Detectors (ETDs). He also said that 26 airports need X-ray machines,  3 airports need HHMDs, 8 airports need DFMDs & 30 airports need ETDs.

Airports Authority Of India(AAI) has said that 402 additional x-ray machines have been procured. Apart from this AAI will hold meetings with stakeholders and members of the airport security committee on a regular basis to implement various security measures required.

CISF was created in 1969 and has been providing security to airports, government buildings, seaports and power plants amongst others. It manages security at 60 out of the 98 operational airports in India.

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Indonesia Shuts Down Bali Airport After Volcano Erupts At Mount Agung!

The Indonesian government has shut down Bali’s international airport after a Volcanic eruption on Thursday evening.

Here are all the details about the incident –

  • Mount Agung, a popular tourist destination in Bali, erupted last night sending volcanic ashes several miles high into the sky.
  • Almost 450 flights have been cancelled, which include 207 international flights.
  • It is estimated that 75000 air travellers have been affected by this incident.
  • Domestic airports at Banyuwangi and Jember in Java have also been closed down.
  • Airlines such as PT Garuda, Singapore Airlines and Qantas Airways have cancelled all their flights to and from Bali.
  • AirAsia Indonesia has cancelled at least 50 flights.

The Airport was shut down at 3:00 a.m. local time, and authorities will review the closing at 12:00 p.m. today, after taking into account the latest volcanic ash distribution data.

Indonesian authorities have closed down the Ngurah Rai International Airport, in Bali, for the second time in seven months due to volcanic activity in the region.

Mt. Agung, which is about 70 kilometres northeast of Bali’s tourist hotspot, Kuta, last had a major eruption in the year 1963, taking the lives of about 1,100 people.

National disaster agencies had issued a ‘High Alert’ after increased volcanic activity at the mountain in 2017,causing thousands of people to evacuate nearby cities. However, things became normal by February 2018 and authorities lowered the alert status.

Indonesia is located in the Pacific’s “Ring Of Fire” region which is prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. There are almost 120 active volcanos in the region which is monitored by government and other seismologic agencies.

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Top 10 Airport Gyms In The World!

When you’re waiting at the airport for your connecting flight, its easy to settle into a comfy chair with your book or laptop and munch on some snacks to kill time.

But these days, with people becoming more fitness conscious, airports and nearby transit hotels are incorporating health clubs and gyms to keep travellers fit, energetic and in good spirit.

So why not use those extra hours between flights to squeeze in a workout before a week full of meetings or to burn off that extra holiday fat.

To help you make better use of your layover, here’s a list of the top 10 airport gyms which you can visit the next time you fly to these destinations!

1.Baltimore-Washington International Airport (ROAM Fitness)

This gym offers travellers one of the most convenient workout experiences at an airport.

You can find cardio machines, free weights as well as weighted machines at the gym. The best part about this facility is that it is located after the airport security area.

To deliver a top-of-the-line fitness experience, the gym offers running shoes and workout clothes on rent. Showers are located inside the gym itself and there’s a wide range of post-workout nutrition products on display that you can choose from.

2.Dubai International Airport (G-Force Health Club)

If you’re flying through the Dubai International Airport, do visit the G-Force Health Club located in Terminal 1.

The health club gives you a world-class experience by offering you a full-size swimming pool, sauna, a jacuzzi lounge, showers and a gym.

It’s open 24 hours a day and you can avail different packages it offers, some of which include a Swedish massage.

3.Singapore Changi International Airport (Airport Wellness Oasis)

The best airport in the world offers cutting-edge fitness centers at all 3 terminals, so there is no excuse for you to skip a workout.

All three fitness centers offer state of the art facilities including free weights, exercise bikes and cross trainers.

You can relax post-workout with a nice shower and a soothing massage which is available inside.

4.Toronto Pearson International Airport (GoodLife Fitness)

A partnership between Canada’s largest fitness company and its main airport, GoodLife Fitness allows thousands of passengers to stay fit and energetic whenever they travel through Pearson.

The gym gives you the option to store your luggage and offers workout clothes and shoes.

The best part about this gym is that you get to experience a great workout while travelling without burning a hole in your pocket.

5.Munich Airport (Hilton Fit And Fly Spa)

The next time you’re passing through the Munich Airport and have some time to spare, visit the Hilton’s Fit and Fly Spa located inside the Hilton Munich Airport Hotel.

The fitness center offers travellers a 17-metre long pool, a gym with personal trainers, sauna, steam bath and a Jacuzzi.

There is also a spa which has state of the art facilities and a massage therapist on call.

6.Vancouver Airport (Fairmont Hotel Health Club)

The Fairmont Airport Hotel located inside the Vancouver International Airport offers not only luxury rooms but also a health and fitness center.

The health club has a ‘Fit & Fly’ programme for travellers who are not hotel guests and are just passing through the airport.

An ‘Economy Pass’ includes gym, sauna, showers and a pool access. Their ‘Club Pass’ includes everything an economy pass has to offer plus Reebok workout shoes and clothes.

They also have a ‘Platinum Pass’ which offers you a healthy post-workout meal, in addition to the services available in the Club Pass

7.Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport (MyFitness)

This is a ‘Pop-up’ gym and is not that big, buts its convenient location within the airport makes up for that.

It is located right inside the terminal just beside the boarding gate and is available for you to use free of charge.

It has a treadmill, rowing machine, exercise bicycle and a staircase trainer, all equipped with a screen and connected to the Internet.

8.Chicago O’Hare International Airport (Hilton Athletic Club)

This Health club at the Hilton Chicago O’Hare Hotel is located right opposite the domestic terminals.

It provides travellers with an excellent opportunity to break a sweat before, after or while waiting for their flight.

In addition to the usual cardio machines, the fitness center is fully equipped with free weights which will keep serious weightlifters happy while travelling.

9.Detroit Metropolitan Airport(Westin Workout Fitness Studio)

This airport offers passengers a fantastic fitness studio equipped with treadmills, free weights and an indoor heated swimming pool.

The gym also provides its guests with a set of new shoes and workout clothes.

Apart from this they also have regular live spin classes and It’s open 24 hours a day.

10.Zurich Airport (PACE Fitness Club)

At a walking distance from the Zurich Airport, this gym is located in the basement of the Radisson Blu Hotel.

Even though it is a bit expensive, the fitness club offers a wide range of services for you to stay fit and relax after the workout.

It is spread across 2000 sqm and has a fully equipped gym with personal trainers, sauna, steam, waterbeds and Turkish Baths.

Don’t want to skip your workout the next time you fly? Simply download the AirWhizz app and get information about different fitness/Yoga centers available at the airport along with real-time flight updates on the move.

Stay fit and Fly Stress-Free!

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Regulatory Body Proposes 74% Cut In UDF At Bangalore Airport!

Passengers flying from the Bangalore Airport may soon have to pay less for their flight ticket.

The Airports Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA) has proposed a 74% cut in the User Development Fee (UDF) on both domestic and international flights.

User Development Fee is the tax that is levied on the passenger by the airport operator, to receive a fair share of return on the investment done for development of the airport.

Passengers currently pay a UDF of Rs 1226 for international flights and Rs 306 for domestic flights. AERA has proposed, that this fee should be reduced to Rs 316.8 and Rs 79.2 for international and domestic flights respectively.

AERA will conduct a stakeholder’s consultation meeting with Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), various airlines and government officials on 18th June 2018.

The meeting will be held to discuss about reducing the UDF for passengers, as well as reducing the landing, parking and housing charges imposed on airlines by 90%.

Reduction of landing and parking charges will result in lower costs for airlines, a benefit they may pass on to the passengers by reducing the airfare. However, aviation experts say that this may not happen immediately due to rising oil prices.

UDF is revised every 5 years by the AERA and the Ministry of Civil Aviation. The fee was last revised at the Bangalore Airport in 2015 and this is the first time that the UDF is being reduced. Currently, Bangalore Airport charges the highest UDF in India.

If all the stakeholders agree to the terms proposed by AERA, the new rates will be applicable up to 31st March 2020. However, from April 2020 the UDF may increase to Rs 416.22 and Rs 104 for international and domestic flights respectively.

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Trial Run For ‘Digi-Yatra’ Starts At The Chennai Airport!

Passengers at the Chennai Airport will soon be able to experience a paperless boarding process.

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has started a trial run of the ‘Digi-Yatra’ programme at the Chennai Airport to introduce paperless travel to domestic and international travellers.

The concept of ‘Digi-Yatra’ was introduced by the Ministry of Civil Aviation in June 2017. It aims at making the travellers journey through the airport hassle-free by incorporating modern technology.

To use this facility passengers will have to register themselves at the government’s Air-Sewa portal and generate a ‘Digi-Yatra-ID’.

Here are the details of how the system is being implemented at the Chennai Airport –

  • E-Gates will be used by the passengers for Check-in and Immigration boarding.
  • All the information about the passenger will be shared with agencies working at the airport, via the portal, for faster identity authentication.
  • Immigration counters will be rearranged at the airport to incorporate the E-Gates.
  • This arrangement will help passengers, who have the unique Identity number, to pass through these E-Gates with ease.
  • The Air Seva App will help passengers navigate through the Chennai Airport using a digital guidance system.
  • The authorities are also going to implement interactive Kiosks at the airport and develop augmented reality apps for the passenger’s convenience.

Authorities at the Chennai Airport are looking to implement ‘Digi-Yatra’ to ease congestion, especially at the international terminal.

A few weeks back AAI conducted a trial run at the Hyderabad and Bangalore Airport in which boarding of a few passengers was done using E-Gates. The response was really good, and the average boarding time was reduced by almost  15 minutes.

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Everything You Need To Know About The Delhi Airport!

Frequent flyers travelling to the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi have made this airport their second home.

From having breakfast and relaxing during pit-stops to shopping at duty-free and airplane spotting, this technologically advanced airport has served weary travellers well.

Yet, most of us are unaware about the years of planning that has gone in building this facility to make air travel a breeze.

So, let us look at how this modern marvel came into being and what it has achieved.

History

The main airport for Delhi till 1962 was the Safdarjung airport which was built in 1930.

Due to increasing air passenger traffic at Safdarjung, the operations were shifted to the Palam Airport which was known as the Royal Air Force (RAF) Airport during the British rule.

In the 1970’s, the air passenger traffic at the Palam airport increased to 1300 passengers per hour and continued to grow at a fast rate.

Owing to this, a new terminal was built which was 4 times the size of the old Palam airport by the early 1980’s and on 2nd May 1986, the Palam Airport was renamed as Indira Gandhi International Airport.

In 2006 the Aviation Minister, Mr. Praful Patel, decided to sell the management rights to the Delhi International Airport Limited(DIAL) which comprises of the GMR Group (64 % Stake), Fraport (10% Stake) and Airports Authority Of India(26 % Stake).

This move gave DIAL the opportunity to make the IGIA an ultra-modern airport and since then they have been continuously improving and adding world-class facilities to it.

Awards & Recognitions

1. At the Skytrax World Airport Awards in 2015, Delhi Airport was given the award for “The Best Airport in Central Asia/India” and “Best Airport Staff in Central Asia/India”.

2. It won the award for the “Best Airport” and “Best Airport Service Quality”, in the 25–40 Million Passengers Per Annum (MPPA) category, which was given by the Airports Council International(ACI) in 2015.

3. The Delhi International Airport Limited won the ‘Golden Peacock Award’ for Corporate Social Responsibility under the Aviation category for the year 2016.

4. As per Airports Council International (ACI) ASQ 2016 rankings, IGI was proclaimed as the world’s second best airport in over 40 MPPA category.

5. It was also recognised as Asia-Pacific’s first airport to achieve a carbon neutral status at ACI’s Airport Carbon Accreditation certificate presentation ceremony in 2016.

6. In 2017, Delhi Airport won the ‘Best Airport’ award from the Airports Council International along with Mumbai International Airport in the over 40 MMPA category.

Interesting Facts About The Delhi Airport

1) The airport was operated by the Indian Air Force before its management was transferred to DIAL.

2) Delhi Airport was the first airport in the country to implement Airport Collaborative Decision Making (A-CDM) system to help keep a track and improve predictability of take-offs and landings.

3) Terminal 3 at The IGIA has been constructed using the “North Light” concept where the natural light comes from the blue sky and not directly from the sun.

4) IGI airport is spread over an area of 5,106 acres, which is equal to the area covered by 4000 football fields.

5) The mudra installations inside IGIA have been collaboratively designed by Indian industrial design firm Incubis Consultants, U.S.-based branding company Landor Associates and Jaipur-based designer Ayush Kasliwal.

6) Delhi Airport is one of the few airports in the world which is capable of handling the giant Airbus A380 aircraft.

7) DIAL has drafted an expansion plan which includes the construction of Terminals 4, 5 and 6 by 2030. The three terminals will cater to international travellers only. This will increase the airport annual passenger capacity to 100 million.

Delhi airport is one of the best examples of how far we have come in terms of cultural and infrastructure growth. Hopefully, with the governments UDAN scheme being implemented in full force, airports in India will be able to compare themselves to the likes of Delhi and Mumbai airport.

If you want to know more about things to do at the Delhi airport, look no further. Download the AirWhizz app and get information about different places to eat, shop & relax at the Delhi Airport along with real-time flight updates the next time you fly.

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10 Ways In Which Airports Make You Shop At Duty-Free!

Whether you are flying for the first time or are a frequent flyer, waiting for your flight at the airport can be an exhausting and boring task.

It is during this time, that people tend to explore the airport and go shopping at duty-free shops.

To cash in on such travellers, airports are carefully designed to influence you to go and spend your money at these shops.

Yes! It’s true.

Here are the different ways in which airports influence you to shop when you fly.

1.SHOPPING ZONES AFTER AIRPORT SECURITY

Many people don’t observe this, but you are allowed into airport shopping areas only when you clear the security check.

Travellers are generally relaxed after clearing security. Airports use this to their advantage by locating duty-free shopping zones right after security booths.

You are more likely to indulge yourself into some care-free shopping after the stressful process of waiting in the security line, removing your belt or jacket and being physically searched by a serious looking security personnel.

2.SHOPPING ZONES BEFORE THE BOARDING GATES

Ever noticed the number of duty-free shops you pass by before boarding a flight?

To encourage people to explore what the airport has to offer, terminal buildings are designed in such a way that you have to walk through the shopping area before boarding the airplane.

3.LEFT CURVING WALKWAYS

The next time you travel to the airport, notice how walkways are curved towards the left in duty-free shopping zones.

According to a research conducted by analytics firm Intervistas, most of the passengers at the airport are right handed and tend to look towards the right side while pulling their suitcases with that hand.

That is why walkways curve towards left and most duty-free shops are located on the right side of the walkway.

4.THE “GOLDEN HOUR” CONCEPT

‘Golden Hour’ is a common term used by airport officials and duty-free retailers.

It is the time passengers spend idling around after clearing security and before boarding the flight.

Airports want to increase the time you spend in the golden hour because the more time you spend waiting for your flight, the chances of you spending will increase.

Airports have streamlined security checks for this reason as well. They want you to spend less time at security checks and more time shopping at duty-free.

5.RELAXATION AREAS AT THE AIRPORT

The more you are relaxed the more you tend to spend!

Airports around the world offer facilities like sleeping pods, showers and massage chairs to make the passenger feel relaxed.

They want to create a stress-free environment for you to spend money buying gifts for your family and friends.

According to a DKMA research, relaxed travellers at the airport spend 7% more on retail and 10% more on duty-free items as compared to travellers who are not relaxed.

6.PROVIDING INFORMATION WHEREVER POSSIBLE

If you go to an airport, you will see enough signs and screens which make the boarding process simple for you.

By providing information to you, the airport makes sure that you have a stress-free journey through it. By doing this they usually succeed in keeping you relaxed when you reach the shopping area.

At many airports, there are signs at shopping areas which show the amount of time the passenger will take to reach the boarding gate rather than the distance in meters. They do this so that passengers know how much they can spend shopping before boarding the flight.

7.SHOP DESIGN

At most airports, duty-free shops are located near big windows to allow natural light inside the store.

This is because people are inclined to shop at stores which have natural light rather than artificial lights.

Also, airports shops are designed to be user-friendly and inviting. They have wide aisles to accommodate people with suitcases and have pyramid shaped shelves which give you a sense of space and a better view of the products displayed.

8.SHOPPING ZONE LAYOUT

According to a study conducted by IKEA, the priorities of a passenger shopping at the airport is topped by duty-free goods, followed by food and drink, newspapers/magazines and gifts and specialty items.

Many airports around the world have designed their shopping zones in the form of a ‘Serpent’, strategically locating shops and restaurants to cater to these priorities.

Also, this kind of layout allows passengers better visibility of the services available for them in the area. The more twists and turns, the better.

9.FEELING OF A MARKETPLACE

Airports try to recreate the feel of a vibrant marketplace near duty-free shopping zones to make it more appealing to passengers.

Shops are often clustered and display local products, live music and art performances are regularly held and other fun activities are conducted to engage the passenger and give them a feel of a local market at the airport.

10. KIND OF SERVICES OFFERED

To quicken the buying process, airports choose the kind of service and products they have to offer depending on how busy the airport is and what kind of travellers it receives.

At an airport which is busy, services and products which can be sold quickly are generally offered to the passengers.

Also if the airports receive more passengers from countries which are developed or have a culture of gifting, the level of product and services offered goes up.

If you want to know more about ‘Duty-Free’ shops at your airport, simply download the AirWhizz App. Get information about places to shop and other services available to you at the airport on the move.

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