What percentage of terminal space is usable by concessions?

• A. 15-25%
• B. 5-15%
• C. 25-35%
• D. 35-45%

Answer: (A)

Concession space is the portion of the terminal that can actually be used for shops, restaurants, and services. A terminal includes many areas that cannot house concessions—gates, security zones, back-of-house support, baggage handling, circulation corridors, restrooms, and mechanical spaces—so only a fraction of total terminal area is available for retail and dining. In practice, airports typically allocate about 15-25% of total terminal space to concessions, balancing the need for revenue-generating options with the requirements for passenger flow and security. While some airports may trend toward the higher end with expansion or redesigns, it’s generally uncommon for concession space to exceed about 25%.