Why Airports Should Add Pickleball Courts for Healthier Layovers

Why Every Airport Should Have a Pickleball Court: Rethinking Transit Layovers
Airports are more than transit hubs. They are waiting rooms for the world, where millions pass hours in terminals between destinations. Layovers, once considered an inconvenience, are increasingly being viewed as opportunities — opportunities to relax, recharge, and even play. Among emerging ideas to transform layovers, the proposal to install pickleball courts in airports is bold, unconventional, and remarkably practical.

The Rise of Pickleball: A Global Phenomenon
Pickleball, a sport that blends tennis, badminton, and ping pong, has surged in popularity across North America and is now catching on globally. According to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association, pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the United States for three consecutive years, with participation growing by over 85 percent since 2021.

Its appeal lies in its accessibility. Players of all ages and skill levels can enjoy the game with minimal learning time. Courts are smaller than tennis courts, matches are shorter, and equipment is relatively inexpensive. These factors make it uniquely suitable for transitory settings like airports.

The Modern Airport Experience: A Need for Movement
Airports often emphasize comfort and consumption. Duty-free shops, lounge access, and restaurants dominate terminal real estate. But in an age where wellness is a rising priority for travelers, the lack of physical activity options is increasingly conspicuous.

Long-haul flights and extended layovers pose a serious challenge to physical health. Prolonged sitting is associated with increased risks of deep vein thrombosis, muscular discomfort, and fatigue. Walking paths, yoga rooms, and nap pods have become more common in recent years. Still, these amenities cater to passive wellness. Pickleball introduces a dynamic alternative.

Pickleball as a Transit Wellness Solution
Installing a pickleball court inside or adjacent to airport terminals offers active wellness. Unlike fitness centers that require intense effort or specialized routines, pickleball provides a fun and social way to move. A 15 to 30-minute session can dramatically improve circulation, reduce jet lag symptoms, and elevate mood.

Airports that invest in this concept would not only cater to health-conscious travelers but also tap into the social and psychological benefits of recreational engagement. Pickleball’s social aspect — where strangers can pair up or join round-robins — is particularly aligned with the diverse, communal environment of international terminals.

Operational Feasibility: Not as Far-Fetched as It Sounds
Airports are not strangers to innovation. Singapore’s Changi Airport includes a butterfly garden and a rooftop pool. Munich Airport once installed an ice-skating rink. In that light, a pickleball court is logistically feasible.

Space requirements are modest. A single pickleball court requires just 30 feet by 60 feet, significantly less than a basketball court. Flooring can be temporary or modular, using portable court kits or overlays. Noise, often cited as a barrier, can be addressed through acoustic paneling and smart placement near less sensitive areas, such as near business lounges or within designated leisure zones.

Moreover, the cost-to-benefit ratio is attractive. A basic court can be installed for under $50,000, including paddles, nets, and signage. For airports with millions of annual travelers, this investment can yield dividends in customer satisfaction and dwell-time monetization.

A Revenue Opportunity Hidden in Recreation
Beyond wellness, pickleball courts offer revenue potential. Booking fees for short matches, paddle rentals, branded merchandise, or even sponsored courts (imagine “Delta Pickleball Lounge” or “Adidas Court Zone”) can generate ancillary income.

Courts can host mini-tournaments during peak seasons or promotional events sponsored by travel brands or wellness companies. Moreover, courts adjacent to cafes or retail can increase foot traffic and encourage prolonged stays in specific terminal areas, indirectly boosting spending.

Social Inclusion and Accessibility
Pickleball’s appeal extends beyond fitness buffs. It is low-impact, requires minimal athletic conditioning, and supports inclusive play for seniors, children, and people with varying physical abilities. By designing accessible courts and offering loaner gear, airports could position themselves as leaders in inclusive travel design.

This could align with broader strategic goals — particularly for airports seeking LEED or WELL certifications, or those aiming to boost ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) credentials.

Reducing Travel Anxiety and Improving Mental Health
Travel is often stressful. Delays, cancellations, security lines, and crowds can all contribute to elevated cortisol levels. Airports that offer proactive ways to release stress physically will improve the overall traveler experience.

Research from the American Psychological Association links light exercise with reduced anxiety and elevated mood. A casual pickleball rally can do more than burn calories — it can offer a mental reset in a way that passive entertainment cannot.

Real-World Interest: The Momentum Has Begun
Some airports have already taken early steps. In 2023, the Denver International Airport temporarily hosted a pop-up pickleball court, drawing travelers and media attention. Similarly, a few private terminals and FBOs (fixed-base operators) in the United States have explored indoor court options for premium flyers.

The overwhelmingly positive reception of these initiatives demonstrates latent demand. With thoughtful design and modest investment, more airports could follow suit — possibly transforming the standard layover into something people look forward to.

Challenges to Consider
Of course, implementation is not without hurdles. Security, liability, and scheduling logistics must be addressed. Courts should be built with durable materials that resist high foot traffic and easy maintenance. Staff may be needed to manage bookings, enforce rules, and maintain cleanliness.

Moreover, careful attention must be paid to avoid privatization of play. Excessive fees or exclusive access models may defeat the core appeal of pickleball — its democratic spirit. Accessibility should remain central to the concept.

Rethinking Transit with Movement
The future of air travel will not be defined by faster jets alone, but by smarter, more human-centric terminals. Pickleball courts in airports are not a gimmick. They represent a new philosophy — that movement, joy, and community can be embedded even in transit.

In a time when airports compete for reputation and brand identity, innovation that fuses wellness, recreation, and accessibility is a winning combination. Pickleball courts are not just good for health. They are good for business, for branding, and for people.