Passenger management, eGates and digital airport processes are becoming a greater focus of integrated security and infrastructure strategies

dormakaba is expanding its international airport business through the acquisition of Airsphere. The acquisition strengthens dormakaba’s position in the field of digital passenger processes, automated eGate systems and security-critical airport infrastructure.

Airsphere, based in Seefeld near Munich, has been developing software solutions for the automation of passenger and airport processes since 2010. According to dormakaba, the company’s systems are now in use at more than 250 airports worldwide. Users include international hubs such as London Heathrow, Frankfurt, Munich, Amsterdam Schiphol, Vienna, Zurich, Singapore, Hong Kong and Beijing.

Airsphere’s eGate software is particularly relevant in this context. More than 8,000 eGates are currently operated with this technology worldwide. According to the company, over a billion passengers are processed through them annually. The acquisition thus addresses not only traditional access control but increasingly also digital identity and passenger management processes within critical transport infrastructures.

The acquisition also highlights a fundamental shift in the airport environment. Airports are increasingly evolving into highly interconnected digital ecosystems where physical security, passenger flow, biometric processes, automation and operational efficiency are closely intertwined. Against the backdrop of rising passenger numbers, regulatory requirements and growing security threats, automated and scalable infrastructure platforms are becoming increasingly important.

With this acquisition, dormakaba is clearly pursuing the goal of expanding its portfolio beyond traditional access and security systems. The focus will be increasingly on software-based platforms for passenger processing, airport logistics and integrated security processes.

CEO Till Reuter emphasised that Airsphere is a very good strategic fit for dormakaba with its product portfolio. The aim is to further optimise passenger processes at airports and with airlines through greater efficiency.

Despite the acquisition, Airsphere is to continue operating independently on the market and will support both existing customers and dormakaba projects. The company employs around 20 staff.

The acquisition was completed on 18 May 2026. The companies did not disclose details of the purchase price.