While the debate over possible expansion work at London Heathrow rumbles on, a new study has highlighted exactly what passengers want from a modern airport.

According to Skyscanner, 49 per cent of the 10,000 travellers it surveyed said they would most like to see cinemas incorporated into aviation hubs.

Hong Kong International Airport is way ahead of the game, as it already has a UA IMAX theatre for people to enjoy.

More than one in three (36 per cent) fliers want sleeping pods - which are now available for use at Abu Dhabi International Airport - while 32 per cent of the respondents felt that airports would benefit from having on-site libraries.

Other facilities identified during the poll included a park, vanity area, childrens' play area, pool, gym, beach and access to bicycles.

It is clear that entertainment is now a major consideration for airport designers and Skyscanner's Victoria Bailie thinks this is particularly important for people travelling with children.

"By offering fun experiences at airports … waiting for a flight becomes less of a chore and more part of the holiday itself," she remarked.