A-SMGCS market seen topping $7.3 billion by 2030

The global advanced-surface movement guidance and control system market is projected to rise from $5.93 billion in 2026 to $7.34 billion by 2030 as airports modernize ground operations and expand capacity. Europe leads the market now, while Asia-Pacific and Southeast Asia are expected to grow fastest as airports upgrade surveillance, routing and docking systems.

Why it matters: - A-SMGCS systems help airports manage aircraft and vehicle movement safely on runways and taxiways, especially in low-visibility conditions. - Airport expansion and modernization are increasing demand for technologies that reduce runway incursions, improve coordination and speed up ground operations. - The market is now tied to broader investment in digital air traffic management, automation and capacity growth.

What happened: - The Business Research Company released its “Advanced-Surface Movement Guidance & Control System (A-SMGCS) Market Report 2026 – Market Size, Trends, And Global Forecast 2026-2035.” - The report says the A-SMGCS market was valued at $5.58 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach $5.93 billion in 2026. - The report projects the market will climb to $7.34 billion by 2030. - The forecast implies a 6.3% CAGR for 2025-2026 and a 5.5% CAGR through 2030. - A free sample report is available here. - The full report is available here.

The details: - The report links historical growth to expanded deployment of surveillance radars, wider use of airfield ground lighting, early vehicle tracking integration, airport modernization programs and software-driven routing tools. - The market outlook is supported by investment in advanced surveillance technologies and multilateration. - Automation and decision-support software are expected to gain broader use to optimize ground traffic. - Visual docking guidance systems are drawing more attention because airports want to improve turnaround times. - The report points to growing demand for scalable systems that can work at both new and existing airports. - Emerging trends include advanced radar and vehicle tracking for real-time monitoring, visual docking aids, software-based decision support, maintenance and technical support services, and flexible deployment models. - The report defines A-SMGCS as a system that provides routing, guidance and surveillance for aircraft and vehicles on airport surfaces while maintaining safety levels aligned with aerodrome visibility operational levels. - Airport demand is a major growth driver as airports function as hubs for takeoffs, landings and passenger services across runways, hangars, terminals and other facilities. - The UK’s Department for Transport said in January 2025 that London City Airport was approved to expand passenger capacity to 9 million a year by 2031. - London Stansted Airport disclosed plans to invest $0.71 billion (£1.1 billion) to expand its terminal and improve passenger services. - London Stansted Airport said the project could double the airport’s economic impact and create up to 5,000 jobs.

Between the lines: - The forecast suggests airports are prioritizing ground-side efficiency as much as runway and terminal expansion. - Europe held the largest market share in 2025, but the fastest growth is expected in Asia-Pacific and Southeast Asia as airport infrastructure expands there. - The market’s next phase looks less about basic deployment and more about upgrades that connect surveillance, guidance and decision software into a single operational layer.

What’s next: - Airports in emerging markets are expected to keep spending on A-SMGCS as capacity rises and visibility requirements tighten. - Vendors are likely to compete on software integration, flexible deployment and support services rather than hardware alone. - The report’s forecast points to continued adoption of digital tools that improve safety and shorten aircraft turnaround times.

The bottom line: - A-SMGCS is moving from a niche airport safety system to a core part of modernization plans worldwide.