The German airport is the first in the world to trial Auracast, a broadcast audio feature using Bluetooth to stream public announcements directly to passengers’ hearing devices. Two gates are equipped with the feature as part of a two-month digital-accessibility initiative.
Over the coming months, people travelling through Frankfurt Airport in Germany, and specifically those using the A16 and A17 gates in Terminal 1, will be able to trial the new Auracast feature. Using Bluetooth, public sound is turned into an audio stream that people can tune into via their smartphones, headphones, hearing aids, and assistive listening devices. The novelty is compatible with some Pixel and Samsung phones, as well as through an app on Auracast-enabled GN hearing devices.
“As the airport operator, we want our passengers to have a comfortable and relaxing stay at our terminals. By bringing clear, personalised announcements directly into passengers’ own hearing devices, we are offering another attractive service to our customers while at the same time taking an important step towards a more inclusive airport”, said Alexander Laukenmann, senior executive vice president of aviation at Fraport AG.
Large audience
GN Hearing, the company behind the Auracast technology, stated that some 1.5 billion people live with hearing loss globally. While airport terminals can be tricky to navigate for those suffering from hearing difficulties, the novelty will allow them to enjoy a better experience, while it is also compatible with silent airport concepts.
“Frankfurt Airport is setting a new standard for inclusive travel, and we are proud that GN can help make that possible. As the first company to introduce Auracast into hearing aids, we’re now bringing this innovation to travellers – giving passengers with hearing loss clearer access to gate information and a smoother, more confident journey. Our hope is that this pilot will inspire many more airports to embrace the next era of connected and accessible travel”, stated Peter Justesen, president of GN’s Hearing division.
We’re expanding our portfolio with new ReSound Savi ITC/CIC styles – including the world’s first essential wireless ITC with Auracast – plus ReSound Vivia for outstanding hearing in noise and new ReSound Smart Fit™ 2.3 with planned NAL-NL3 support for more precise fittings. pic.twitter.com/iIptLan7FC
— GN Group (@gnstorenord) February 3, 2026
The trial is part of a Distr@l‑funded digital-accessibility initiative, a public funding program from the German state of Hesse that supports innovative digital projects and collaboration between research and industry. The project is led by Sittig Technologies together with Fraport and the Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences.
However, as the Auracast transmitters were integrated directly into Sittig’s PAXModular IP paging stations, which were already installed at the gates in Frankfurt Airport, the Auracast broadcast audio was introduced without major rebuilding or additional hardware. This further underlines its potential for a global rollout.
