<p>The first impression is everything, and that holds true for passenger boarding experiences as well. For both airplanes and cruise liners, ensuring a smooth, efficient, and comfortable boarding process is crucial for customer satisfaction. This is where<span> </span><a href="https://www.stretcheventtents.com/collections/stretchpod-range-clearspan-stretch-pods/products/retractable-tunnel" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">retractable tunnels</a><span> </span>come in, offering a unique blend of style and functionality.</p>
<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img decoding="async" width="1024" height="434" src="https://www.stretchstructures.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/retractable-tunnel-La-Reunion-at-night.jpg" alt="Retractable passenger boarding tunnel at La Réunion airport" class="wp-image-4606" srcset="https://www.stretchstructures.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/retractable-tunnel-La-Reunion-at-night.jpg 1024w, https://www.stretchstructures.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/retractable-tunnel-La-Reunion-at-night-300x127.jpg 300w, https://www.stretchstructures.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/retractable-tunnel-La-Reunion-at-night-768x326.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px">
<figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Retractable passenger boarding tunnel at La Réunion airport. Lighting the way powered by photovoltaic panels</figcaption>
</figure>
</div>
<p><strong>What is a Retractable Tunnel?</strong></p>
<p>Stretch Structures<span> </span><a href="https://www.stretchstructures.com/products/pagodas-clearspan-structure/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">retractable tunnels</a><span> </span>on wheels are a game-changer for passenger boarding. These innovative structures utilize a high-quality, clear-span fabric that provides a bright and airy environment. Unlike traditional, bulky tunnels, retractable tunnels collapse and retract into a compact unit in minutes when not in use, hence they offer a versatile solution for temporary space coverage.</p>
<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img decoding="async" width="1024" height="535" src="https://www.stretchstructures.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Vancouver-Airport-Retractable-tunnels-1.jpeg" alt="Vancouver Airport Retractable tunnels Disembarking Passengers" class="wp-image-4375" srcset="https://www.stretchstructures.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Vancouver-Airport-Retractable-tunnels-1.jpeg 1024w, https://www.stretchstructures.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Vancouver-Airport-Retractable-tunnels-1-300x157.jpeg 300w, https://www.stretchstructures.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Vancouver-Airport-Retractable-tunnels-1-768x401.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px">
<figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Passengers disembarking from an aeroplane on a cold and rainy night at Vancouver Airport</figcaption>
</figure>
</div>
<h3><strong>Benefits for Airplane Passenger Boarding</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li>
<p><strong>Safety:</strong> A retractable tunnel provides a stable, safe means of connecting the terminal to the aircraft, reducing the risk of accidents or injuries that could occur on an apron or when moving between the gate and plane.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><strong>Enhanced Passenger Comfort:</strong> Retractable tunnels offer protection from the elements, shielding passengers from rain, wind, and harsh sunlight. The clear fabric allows for natural light to pass through, creating a more pleasant embarking or disembarking experience.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><strong>Improved Efficiency:</strong> The quick deployment and retraction of the tunnel minimize turnaround time between flights as they speed up the boarding process because passengers don’t have to be bussed to the plane. This translates to smoother boarding processes and more on-time departures.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><strong>Easily Portable:</strong><span> </span>The tunnels can be retracted quickly in the event of strong winds or cyclones, and packed away for safe keeping. For example; The La Réunion tunnel is 90 metres in length and can be retracted to 9 modules of roughly 1.7 metres.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" width="1024" height="593" data-id="4376" src="https://www.stretchstructures.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Retractable-tunnel-for-cruise-liner-passengers.jpeg" alt="Retractable tunnel for cruise liner passengers" class="wp-image-4376" srcset="https://www.stretchstructures.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Retractable-tunnel-for-cruise-liner-passengers.jpeg 1024w, https://www.stretchstructures.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Retractable-tunnel-for-cruise-liner-passengers-300x174.jpeg 300w, https://www.stretchstructures.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Retractable-tunnel-for-cruise-liner-passengers-768x445.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px">
<figcaption class="wp-element-caption">All aboard! Protecting passengers from harsh weather</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="770" data-id="4610" src="https://www.stretchstructures.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/retractable-tunnel-from-cruise-liner-to-terminal.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-4610" srcset="https://www.stretchstructures.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/retractable-tunnel-from-cruise-liner-to-terminal.jpeg 1024w, https://www.stretchstructures.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/retractable-tunnel-from-cruise-liner-to-terminal-300x226.jpeg 300w, https://www.stretchstructures.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/retractable-tunnel-from-cruise-liner-to-terminal-768x578.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px">
<figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Safe and controlled pathways from cruise liner to terminal</figcaption>
</figure>
</figure>
<p><strong>Benefits for Cruise Liner Passenger Boarding</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>
<p><strong>Weather Protection:</strong> Similar to airplanes, retractable tunnels shield passengers from inclement weather and harsh sun while boarding or disembarking. This is especially crucial for cruise lines operating in regions with unpredictable weather patterns.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><strong>Seamless Passenger Flow:</strong> The clear fabric and spacious interior of the tunnel promote a smooth flow of passengers between the cruise ship and the terminal building. Hence creating a safe and controlled pathway for passengers.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><strong>Enhanced Aesthetics:</strong> The contemporary design of the retractable tunnel complements the modern architecture of cruise liners, creating a visually appealing experience.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><strong>Space Optimization:</strong> The retractable nature of the tunnel allows for efficient use of wharf space when not in use.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="618" data-id="4612" src="https://www.stretchstructures.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/retractable-tunnel-Aberdeen-Harbour-1.jpeg" alt="Aberdeen Harbour branded retractable tunnel" class="wp-image-4612" srcset="https://www.stretchstructures.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/retractable-tunnel-Aberdeen-Harbour-1.jpeg 1024w, https://www.stretchstructures.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/retractable-tunnel-Aberdeen-Harbour-1-300x181.jpeg 300w, https://www.stretchstructures.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/retractable-tunnel-Aberdeen-Harbour-1-768x464.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px">
<figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Branded retractable tunnel</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="540" data-id="4613" src="https://www.stretchstructures.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/retractable-tunnel-Aberdeen-Harbour-2.jpeg" alt="Aberdeen Harbour branded retractable tunnel creating safe pathways" class="wp-image-4613" srcset="https://www.stretchstructures.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/retractable-tunnel-Aberdeen-Harbour-2.jpeg 1024w, https://www.stretchstructures.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/retractable-tunnel-Aberdeen-Harbour-2-300x158.jpeg 300w, https://www.stretchstructures.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/retractable-tunnel-Aberdeen-Harbour-2-768x405.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px">
<figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Creating safe pathways – Aberdeen Harbour</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" data-id="4614" src="https://www.stretchstructures.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/retractable-tunnel-Aberdeen-Harbour-close-up.jpeg" alt="Inside Aberdeen Harbour retractable tunnel" class="wp-image-4614" srcset="https://www.stretchstructures.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/retractable-tunnel-Aberdeen-Harbour-close-up.jpeg 1024w, https://www.stretchstructures.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/retractable-tunnel-Aberdeen-Harbour-close-up-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://www.stretchstructures.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/retractable-tunnel-Aberdeen-Harbour-close-up-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px">
<figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Clear view from inside</figcaption>
</figure>
</figure>
<h3><strong>Beyond Functionality: A Touch of Sophistication</strong></h3>
<p>Retractable tunnels offer more than just practical benefits. The high-quality fabric can be customized with logos, branding elements, or even printed scenery, creating a unique and visually appealing entryway that reflects the company’s brand identity.</p>
<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="481" src="https://www.stretchstructures.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/retractable-tunnel-La-Reunion.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-4607" srcset="https://www.stretchstructures.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/retractable-tunnel-La-Reunion.jpeg 1024w, https://www.stretchstructures.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/retractable-tunnel-La-Reunion-300x141.jpeg 300w, https://www.stretchstructures.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/retractable-tunnel-La-Reunion-768x361.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure>
</div>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>In Conclusion</strong></h3>
<p>Retractable tunnels represent a significant advancement in passenger boarding for both airplanes and cruise liners. These innovative structures combine functionality, style, and efficiency, ensuring a smooth and comfortable experience for passengers while optimizing space and enhancing the overall aesthetic.</p>
<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" src="https://www.stretchstructures.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/retractable-tunnel-Aeroport-Rodez-1.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-4616" srcset="https://www.stretchstructures.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/retractable-tunnel-Aeroport-Rodez-1.jpeg 1024w, https://www.stretchstructures.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/retractable-tunnel-Aeroport-Rodez-1-300x225.jpeg 300w, https://www.stretchstructures.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/retractable-tunnel-Aeroport-Rodez-1-768x576.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure>
</div>
<p>Read about our<span> </span><a href="https://www.stretchstructures.com/top-5-sectors-using-retractable-tunnels/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">top industries using retractable tunnels here</a>, click through to <a href="https://stretchtents.com.au/collections/pagodas-and-clearspan-structures/products/retractable-tunnel" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Purchase a Retractable Tunnel</a>, or <a href="https://www.stretchstructures.com/contact/contact-form/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Contact</a> Stretch Structures today for a quote or for more information. </p>
Nelson’s Wharf is a mooring facility for narrowboats situated next to the Grand Union Canal in Warwickshire. They were looking for an event tent to be used to host events for their customers and to be offered to glamping guests for family gatherings, consequently they purchased an 8m x 10m sand stretch event tent.
Nelson’s Wharf has a wonderful story of restoration. <READ MORE>
As the world moves towards sustainable energy sources, solar power has emerged as a key solution for reducing carbon emissions and mitigating climate change. Pensilsole Solar panel carports are one such innovation that can help councils and shopping centres achieve their sustainability goals while also offering practical benefits. <READ MORE>
In an ideal world you will pack down your stretch tent on a sunny day when it has dried fully, but the reality is often different. Quite often it’s the webbing lugs or edges of the tent that are still slightly damp. Once you get back to home base, drying your stretch tent fully is essential maintenance for your stretch tent.
It has been a challenge in 2020 to throw a party and celebrate milestone events. So a client came up with a novel solution. They invited friends to their rural property in Yarramalong to celebrate a 50th birthday party which incorporated social distancing. Stretch Tent Rentals in Newcastle were called to provide both cover and extra atmosphere for the weekend.
Social distancing is here to stay for the foreseeable future. We can help your business thrive and meet current spacing restrictions by utilising your outdoor spaces.
We offer solutions for the following scenarios: queueing outside supermarkets, courtesy areas in car parks and on sidewalks, additional outdoor space for pub, hotel and restaurant serving areas, or creating an amazing atmosphere in your home for the ultimate garden party or intimate wedding. <READ MORE>
View full article →Countries are gearing up to fight COVID-19. Therefore we launched the Sanitary Gate with our Italian partners in March. This was an attempt to offer products that help fight the spread of contagions.
Trees for Life is a conservation charity dedicated to rewilding the Scottish Highlands. They have planted over two million trees and established 44 tree planting sites. They were looking for an eye-catching event tent to be used to attend festivals and host their own open days, consequently they found our eco-friendly stretch tents.
R U OK? is an Australian suicide prevention charity. Their mission is to inspire everyone to meaningfully connect with the people around them, hence supporting anyone struggling with life. Their national day of action, R U OK? Day, is 12 September 2019. In the build-up to R U OK? Day this year, the team have hit the road with their custom inflatable house.
Our relationship with our clients is extremely important to us and we see their first purchase as the beginning of a fruitful and symbiotic connection. We’re there to support a blossoming business with our multitasking products.
If you have any questions about our products or custom design services then please complete the below form. Or call, email or fax us with any questions you might have about purchasing our products. We'd love to work with you!
(UK) Tel: +44 20 3769 5402
(AUS) Tel: +61 2 8916 6231 (US) Tel: +1 213 401 2531 (CAD) Tel: +1 604 283 0999 (NZ) Tel: +64 9 951 9917 Sign up to get our monthly newsletter
© 2025 UK Stretch Tents. Powered by Shopify
