FIDS – Flight Information Display System: Glossary & Solution Overview for Airport Systems

Glossary: Flight Information Display System (FIDS) and Related Airport Systems

Flight Information Display System (FIDS)

A Flight Information Display System (FIDS) is a specialized, networked IT platform used in airports to provide real-time flight, gate, and operational information to both passengers and staff. By aggregating data from the Airport Operational Database (AODB), airline systems, and external feeds, FIDS ensures that critical details—such as flight schedules, gate assignments, delays, and cancellations—are accurately communicated through electronic displays located throughout the terminal. Displays are positioned in check-in halls, departure and arrival lounges, boarding gates, baggage claim areas, and even offsite transport hubs.

Modern FIDS are highly dynamic, supporting:

• Customizable content layouts
• Multi-language and accessibility features
• Integration with emergency and public address systems (PAS)
• Device neutrality (LED, LCD, e-paper, etc.)
• Secure, centrally managed operations

FIDS platforms have evolved from mechanical split-flap boards to fully digital, web-based ecosystems with HTML5 clients and cloud-based content management. They are built for high availability, utilizing redundancy, failover mechanisms, and encrypted communications to meet ICAO and IATA standards for reliability and security.

Airport Operational Database (AODB)

The AODB is the single source of truth for all airport operational data: flight schedules, resource allocations (gates, stands, baggage belts), aircraft movements, and turnaround activities. It receives real-time inputs from airlines, air traffic control, ground handlers, and more. As the authoritative data hub, AODB synchronizes all dependent systems—including FIDS, RMS, and PAS—ensuring seamless, automated updates and minimizing manual intervention.

AODB platforms are built for reliability, scalability, and security, featuring:

• High-availability server clusters
• Secure APIs (often AIDX-compliant)
• Strict access controls and audit logs

Baggage Information Display System (BIDS)

BIDS is a digital signage subsystem focused on communicating baggage claim information to arriving passengers. It displays which carousel or belt is assigned to each arriving flight, minimizing confusion and crowding at baggage claim areas.

BIDS typically integrates with:

• Baggage Handling Systems (BHS)
• AODB
• Airline Departure Control Systems (DCS)

It supports multi-language, high-contrast displays, and accessibility features—helping airports comply with IATA Resolution 753 for end-to-end baggage tracking.

Gate Information Display System (GIDS)

GIDS provides real-time, flight-specific information at each boarding gate: destination, boarding times, seating zones, and last call alerts. It is directly integrated with FIDS, AODB, and often airline DCS for up-to-the-minute updates, supporting efficient passenger flow and minimal gate congestion.

GIDS endpoints are typically touch-enabled and may include boarding pass scanners. They feature redundancy and security controls for reliable, tamper-proof operation.

Multi-Use Flight Information Display System (MUFIDS)

MUFIDS unifies FIDS, BIDS, GIDS, and other digital signage functions into a single, centralized platform. This enables airports—especially large hubs with multiple terminals—to manage all passenger-facing messaging, branding, and emergency alerts from one interface.

MUFIDS supports:

• Dynamic content zoning and scheduling
• Browser-based content management
• Open APIs for third-party integrations (hotels, transport, tourism)

Centralized control means faster updates, consistent branding, and coordinated responses to disruptions.

Public Address System (PAS)

PAS is the audio backbone of airport communications, broadcasting both routine and emergency announcements. Integrated with FIDS, PAS ensures that visual and audio messages are synchronized, reaching all passengers—including those with visual or hearing impairments—via zone-based, intelligible sound.

Modern PAS platforms use digital signal processing, networked amplifiers, and support visual paging as a standard accessibility feature.

Resource Management System (RMS)

RMS optimizes the allocation of gates, stands, check-in desks, baggage belts, and ground support equipment based on real-time flight data. It automates resource assignment, supports scenario modeling for disruptions, and feeds updates directly into FIDS for immediate passenger notification.

RMS integration is essential for efficient, resilient airport operations and is recommended by ICAO for medium and large airports.

Content Management System (CMS) in FIDS

The CMS is the software interface for creating, scheduling, and managing all FIDS content—flight information, advertising, wayfinding, emergency alerts, and infotainment. Modern FIDS CMS platforms feature:

• Drag-and-drop design
• Multi-language templates
• Playlist scheduling
• Analytics dashboards

They are typically browser-based, support remote administration, and enforce robust security and access controls.

Visual Paging

Visual Paging displays critical announcements or passenger-specific messages on FIDS screens, ensuring accessibility for deaf or hard-of-hearing passengers. It is triggered automatically (for emergencies) or manually (for paging individuals), and is designed with high-contrast, large fonts, and clear icons.

This function is a regulatory requirement under US DOT, ECAC, and other accessibility mandates.

HTML5 Client

An HTML5 client is a web-based interface for FIDS content management and display, offering cross-platform compatibility. It allows FIDS to run on any device with a modern browser, simplifying updates, reducing vendor lock-in, and improving security through standardized web protocols.

Device Neutrality

Device neutrality is the ability of FIDS to run on any hardware—LED, LCD, e-paper, or video wall—regardless of manufacturer. This flexibility enables airports to maximize existing investments and future-proof their display networks.

AIDX (Aviation Information Data Exchange)

AIDX is the IATA-developed XML messaging standard for real-time exchange of flight, operational, and resource data among airlines, airports, and vendors. FIDS platforms supporting AIDX ensure seamless, standardized integration and are critical for collaborative airport operations.

CUPPS (Common Use Passenger Processing Systems)

CUPPS defines IATA/ACI standards for shared use of check-in, boarding, and passenger processing systems. Integration with FIDS allows for real-time updates on check-in and boarding status, improving efficiency and passenger flow.

IATA and ICAO Standards for Passenger Information

IATA and ICAO provide the global framework for FIDS operation, mandating:

• Data accuracy and availability
• Accessibility (multi-language, visual paging)
• Security and auditability
• Interoperability through standards like AIDX and CUPPS

Compliance ensures safe, inclusive, and internationally consistent airport operations.

Emergency and Safety Messaging

FIDS can automatically switch to emergency mode during incidents—displaying evacuation instructions or critical alerts in multiple languages and accessible formats. Integration with Fire Alarm and Building Management Systems (BMS) automates this process, while design features maximize visibility and clarity.

API Support and Third-Party Integration

FIDS APIs (REST, SOAP) enable integration with third-party systems—hotel, transport, tourism, and passenger apps—expanding the reach and functionality of airport information services. Secure, well-documented APIs are essential for digital transformation.

Redundancy, Failover, and High Availability

High availability is achieved through redundancy and failover features—ensuring FIDS continues to operate during hardware or network failures. This is essential for continuous passenger information, safety, and regulatory compliance.

Key Takeaways

• FIDS is the backbone of airport passenger communication, integrating with AODB, PAS, RMS, and other systems for seamless, real-time updates.
• Compliance with IATA and ICAO standards ensures reliability, accessibility, and interoperability.
• Modern FIDS platforms offer device neutrality, HTML5 clients, robust security, and centralized content management.
• Unified solutions like MUFIDS streamline operations, branding, and contingency response.
• Accessibility and emergency features are built-in, supporting all passengers and ensuring safety.

For more information or to discuss FIDS deployment for your airport, contact our airport IT experts or schedule a demo .