Social Media takes hold of Europe's Airports

In a new report "Digital Report 2012" by ACI Europe it has emerged that Europe's airports are creating a direct link with it's customers through social media, such as Twitter and Facebook, with airports in Central Europe being the most proactive.

The report highlights the fact that over 33% of Europe's airports are developing or have mobile "apps" to give the passenger more live information - this includes corporate communications, crisis communications, customer service, informal customer relationship building, and commercial promotion.

Gatwick Airport has 30,000 Twitter followers

The chief objective of most airports is to make information available so as to make the passenger experience as hassle free as possible.

London Gatwick Airport has recently been honoured with Twitter's "blue tick" of authority with it's 24 / 7 Twitter customer service support. It now has 30,000 Twitter followers plus a website and Facebook site.

In Poland, Warsaw Chopin Airport has over 11,000 Twitter followers sending information out in both polish and English. The tweets are made up on updates on flight information, traveller tips and special offers in the airport duty free shops.

It is expected that social media will take a more proactive role in the future.