Watch X-Ray Mega Airport

X-Ray Mega Airport, a documentary series by Smithsonian Earth, offers a fascinating look into the world's busiest and largest airports. From Frankfurt, Germany, to Singapore's Changi Airport, the cameras take viewers behind the scenes and show the incredible scale and complexity of modern aviation infrastructure.

Each episode of the show offers an in-depth look at the inner workings of a specific airport, highlighting the unique challenges faced by airport staff as they manage thousands of passengers, tons of cargo, and dozens of planes every day. With the help of cutting-edge technology, viewers get to see every aspect of airport operations, from baggage handling and passenger check-in to air traffic control and runway maintenance.

One of the most impressive aspects of the show is its use of advanced imaging tools to give viewers an inside look at what is happening on the tarmac. Using x-ray and thermal imaging technology, the show reveals the hidden mechanisms behind airport operations, showing how cargo is checked for contraband and how maintenance crews keep planes in top condition.

The series also shines a light on the people who make these airports function. From the pilots and air traffic controllers to the cargo handlers and ground crew, X-Ray Mega Airport showcases the skill, dedication and teamwork of those who work tirelessly to ensure smooth airport operations. By highlighting their stories, the show gives viewers a newfound appreciation for the complexity and demands of the aviation industry.

Another fascinating aspect of the show is its exploration of the global cultural and economic impact of airports. From the vast array of foods on offer in airport restaurants to the wide range of languages spoken by staff and passengers, airports are truly global hubs of activity. Additionally, the show highlights the enormous economic impact of airports, with some generating tens of billions of dollars in revenue each year for their respective countries.

Throughout the series, the viewer is taken on a tour of some of the most impressive and immense airports in the world. For example, in one episode, the show explores Frankfurt Airport, one of the largest and busiest airports in Europe. With a yearly passenger count of over 60 million, Frankfurt Airport is a city within its own right, with its on-site hotels, shopping centers, and entertainment. One episode of the series showcases Dubai International Airport, the world's busiest airport by international passenger traffic. The episode shows how the airport manages the massive influx of travelers, with staff dealing efficiently with the complex logistics of international arrivals and departures.

In Singapore's Changi Airport, the show looks at how Changi made a conscious decision to make airport passengers' experience as pleasurable as possible. With movie theaters, spas and swimming pools on site, and a host of free movies and games available to use, airport staff goes above and beyond to make flying a comfortable experience for those who must be in the airport for long layovers.

Overall, X-Ray Mega Airport is an informative and entertaining series that offers a glimpse into the inner workings of some of the world's largest and busiest airports. The show combines stunning visual effects, cutting-edge technology with engaging storytelling to provide an unprecedented view of the aviation industry. Whether you are a frequent flyer or just someone interested in transportation and logistics, X-Ray Mega Airport is a fascinating window into modern air travel.

X-Ray Mega Airport is a series that ran for 1 seasons (5 episodes) between January 3, 2016 and on Smithsonian Earth