Increasing numbers of airports, especially in Europe, are promoting a "silent airport" idea. It is to reduce noise pollution, such as airport-wide announcements, without sacrificing timely and helpful updates of information.

   International airports were once characterized by their high voices, competing gate announcements and so on.

   This is all changing.

   Angela Gittens, director general of Airports Council International (ACI), says there is a growing desire among airports and airlines they serve to "create a calm, relaxed atmosphere" without being disturbed by announcements.

   "Passengers can relax while they wait for their flight to board in the common airside lounges(休闲区), and food and drink areas," she says.

   In June, Helsinki Airport in Finland—a country where the tourism slogan is "Silence, Please" —became the most recent airport to adopt the silent concept.

   As part of its commitment to quieting things down, announcements for flights are made only in boarding gate areas.

   Lost track of time in the shop?

   Too bad.

   Nobody's going to call you to your flight, as announcements in all terminals will be made only in exceptional emergency circumstances.

   Heikki Koski, vice president of Helsinki Airport, says that improved flight information display systems and interactive kiosks(交互式自助服务机), together with advances in mobile technology, are changing the way airports communicate with passengers.

   At Munich Airport, InfoGate kiosks allow for video-based, face-to-face conversation with a live customer service representative in the traveler's language of choice. Interactive signs, on the other hand, give directions at the touch of finger. Passengers can tap a "you are here" display to get directions and approximate walking times to their destinations.

   Of course, an airport will never be as silent as a temple.

   There will continue to be a need for airport-wide emergency announcements, along with boarding calls.

   But at silent airports, the latter can be restricted to specific gates, as has been adopted in Helsinki.