Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) has launched a fully contactless parking experience in partnership with Metropolis, effective 14 July. The system allows travelers to enter and exit the airport's parking lots without physical tickets or kiosks, streamlining operations at the Central Valley gateway.
Under the new setup, passengers can download the Metropolis app or scan a QR code at the lot entrance to register their phone number, license plate, and payment method. The platform automatically recognizes vehicles upon arrival and departure, processes payments, and sends digital receipts. Cash payments remain available via designated lanes with staff assistance.
Modernization at FAT
This deployment builds on FAT's long-standing relationship with SP, a Metropolis company that has managed parking at the airport for decades. The transition to Metropolis' platform is part of FAT's broader modernization push, which includes the FATforward expansion project—a new concourse and parking garage completed in recent years. FAT served over 2.7 million passengers in 2025 and was named one of the Top 10 Best Small Airports in the US by USA Today's 10 Best Readers' Choice Awards.
Fresno City Manager Georgeanne White said the technology provides a modern parking experience while offering greater visibility into parking demand and operations. Rob Mitchell, Vice President of Aviation at Metropolis, called the milestone significant, noting the removal of parking friction and improved efficiency for travelers.
The contactless system aligns with broader industry trends toward frictionless travel. Similar initiatives are gaining traction at airports worldwide, as seen in JCB Contactless Payments Go Live on Taipei Metro for International Travelers, which highlights the growing demand for seamless payment integration in transit hubs.
For travel professionals, the FAT-Metropolis partnership underscores the importance of investing in technology to enhance the passenger experience. Airline executives, hoteliers, and tour operators should note that airports are increasingly adopting smart parking solutions to reduce congestion and improve customer satisfaction. This trend is particularly relevant for smaller airports seeking to compete with larger hubs.
The move also reflects the ongoing digital transformation in the travel industry, where contactless solutions are becoming standard. As airports like FAT modernize, they set a precedent for others to follow, potentially influencing route planning and passenger flow for carriers such as American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines, which serve FAT.
Metropolis, known for its AI-powered parking platform, has been expanding its footprint across North America. The company's technology is designed to eliminate the need for traditional parking infrastructure, offering a scalable solution for airports of all sizes. This partnership could serve as a model for other airports in the region, including those in the Asia-Pacific and Middle East, where airport investment is surging—as detailed in Asia-Pacific and Middle East Airport Investment Hits $240B, PTE Asia Debuts in Singapore.
FAT's adoption of contactless parking is a practical step toward reducing friction for travelers, a key priority for the industry. As airports continue to invest in technology, the focus remains on creating seamless journeys from curb to gate.
