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Berlin, Germany

19 - 20 November 2025

International Airport Summit

Agenda Overview

Here is a summary of what to expect during the two-day summit

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Agenda

Day 1  |  Day 2

Day 1

19th November

Day 2

20th November

Session 1
Opening keynote
9:05 – 9:25 CET

The future of German aviation

Aletta von Massenbach, CEO of Berlin Brandenburg International Airport (BER), will inaugurate the International Airport Summit with a compelling keynote address. In her speech, she will provide an in-depth look at the strategic developments underway at BER, highlighting initiatives aimed at elevating the passenger experience and positioning the airport for long-term growth against regulatory headwinds.

Despite most European airports surpassing pre-pandemic levels, Germany’s recovery has lagged, standing by 86 %. The slow rebound has been induced by a surge in state-imposed costs, particularly air traffic taxes, aviation security fees and air traffic control charges – factors that significantly diminish Germany’s competitiveness against other European countries.

In her keynote, Aletta von Massenbach will candidly explore these market challenges, outlining how BER is navigating headwinds with a focus on operational excellence, passenger service and digital innovation. She will share insights into BER’s strategies for balancing financial pressures with sustainability commitments and discuss the broader implications for the future of German aviation.

Join us for this insightful keynote to understand how one of Germany’s key airports is adapting to a rapidly changing landscape and what it means for the future of air travel in Europe. 

Session 2
Fireside Chat
9:25 – 9:55 CET

From transit hubs to lifestyle destinations

The rise of airport cities as retail, dining and experiential hotspots 

Airports are rapidly transforming from mere transit hubs into vibrant lifestyle destinations, redefining the travel experience for millions of passengers worldwide. No longer just a place to wait for flights, modern airports are evolving into mini cities – offering an array of attractions and amenities that rival those of urban centres. From casinos, racetracks and golf clubs to luxury hotels, indoor gardens, museums, waterfalls and captivating art installations, airports are enhancing their appeal to both travellers and non-travellers alike. 

This panel will bring together leaders from some of the world’s most innovative airports to explore how they are reshaping their spaces into dynamic retail, dining and entertainment hubs. Speakers will share insights into the strategies driving this transformation, including the integration of experiential retail, immersive dining options and cultural attractions designed to encourage passengers to arrive early and spend more time and money. 

Join us to discover how airports are leveraging these developments to boost non-aeronautical revenue, enhance passenger satisfaction and secure their position as destinations in their own right. This session will delve into the successes, challenges and future plans of these airport cities, offering a glimpse into the next chapter of air travel. 

Session 3
Case Study
9:55 – 10:15 CET

How sustainability will change airport customers and their shopping behaviours

Session description coming soon

Sponsored by
Veovo logo
Session 4
Panel
10:15 – 10:55 CET

WOW every passenger

How tech & innovation are redefining the airport experience 

In an era where passenger expectations are higher than ever, airports are turning to cutting-edge technologies to transform every stage of the travel journey. This panel will delve into how innovations such as automation, artificial intelligence (AI), virtual queuing and robotics are elevating the airport experience – making it not only more efficient, but also more engaging and enjoyable. 

From snack delivery robots that delight travellers while generating additional revenue, to virtual queuing systems that bring predictability and ease to one of the most stressful parts of the airport journey, these technologies are reshaping how passengers interact with airport environments. AI, on the other hand, is proving indispensable in optimising resource allocation, reducing bottlenecks and ensuring smoother, more seamless operations. 

Industry leaders will share real-world examples of how they have successfully integrated these technologies into their operations, discussing both the immediate benefits to passenger satisfaction and the long-term return on investment. Attendees will gain valuable insights into which innovations are delivering the most impact and how to strategically adopt them to enhance the overall travel experience. 

Join us for this forward-thinking session to discover how airports worldwide are leveraging technology to create memorable travel experiences that leave passengers saying “WOW” at every turn. 

Session 5
Fireside Chat
11:25 – 11:55 CET

Driving the adoption of biometrics and document-free airports

As biometric technology continues to gain momentum across global airports, the vision of a fully ‘document-free’ travel experience is becoming a reality. With passengers increasingly supportive of biometrics, airports are poised to leverage this cutting-edge technology to streamline processes and significantly reduce wait times.  

This panel will explore the growing adoption of biometric solutions, which have been shown to reduce the ticket and travel documentation verification process from 25 seconds to just eight, offering a more seamless and efficient airport journey for travellers. 

However, the path to widespread biometric implementation is not without its challenges. Airport leaders will discuss the complexities of change management, from gaining buy-in among staff to ensuring passenger acceptance, while also addressing the necessary infrastructure upgrades. Panellists will share invaluable insights into the practical hurdles they’ve encountered throughout the implementation process, offering lessons learned and best practices for airports looking to embrace this technology. 

Join us for this engaging discussion as industry experts delve into the benefits, challenges and future of biometric and document-free travel, providing a roadmap for successful adoption and transformation in the airport experience. 

Session 6
Panel
11:55 – 12:30 CET

Delivering hyper-personalised airport experiences with growing passenger numbers

As global air travel surges past pre-pandemic levels, airports face the complex challenge of delivering hyper-personalised experiences without compromising efficiency or service standards. This panel will bring together industry leaders to explore innovative strategies for balancing increasing passenger volumes with tailored, high-quality experiences. 

Join us to hear from airport experts as they share insights into cutting-edge data collection methods, from advanced analytics to AI-driven passenger profiling, that are transforming how airports understand and anticipate individual needs. The discussion will delve into how personalised services – such as real-time journey updates, bespoke retail and dining recommendations, and seamless biometric processing – are enhancing passenger satisfaction and loyalty. 

Panellists will also examine the delicate balance between leveraging personal data and maintaining privacy and security standards, as well as the operational challenges of scaling these services effectively. Attendees will gain valuable perspectives on the technologies and strategies that are shaping the next generation of airport experiences, where passengers enjoy greater choice, control and convenience at every step of their journey. 

Session 7
Fireside Chat
12:30 – 13:00 CET

Innovation show & tell

Reinventing baggage handling with smart technology 

While the global mishandled baggage rate has declined by an impressive 63% since 2007, the continued rise in passenger numbers presents an ongoing challenge for baggage handling efficiency. As airports strive to keep pace with growing demand, innovative technologies are playing a crucial role in streamlining baggage operations, reducing errors and enhancing the passenger experience. 

In this dynamic session, leading airports will showcase their latest advancements in baggage handling technology, offering a candid look at both their successes and setbacks. From cutting-edge automation and AI-driven tracking systems to real-world pilot projects, panellists will share key insights into what worked, what didn’t, and the valuable lessons learned along the way. 

Join us for an engaging discussion on how airports are pushing the boundaries of innovation to build more resilient and efficient baggage handling systems. As passenger numbers continue to surge, ensuring a seamless and reliable baggage experience has never been more critical. 

Session 8
Fireside Chat
14:00 – 14:30 CET

Unlocking hidden runway capacity without breaking ground 

As global air traffic continues to surge, airports face increasing pressure to optimise runway and airside operations without the option of physical expansion. With limited space and mounting operational constraints, the key to maximising capacity lies in leveraging cutting-edge technology. 

This panel will delve into how AI-driven turnaround solutions, advanced sequencing tools, predictive analytics and computer vision are transforming airside efficiency. Airports will share real-world case studies demonstrating how these innovations are helping airports streamline aircraft movements, reduce turnaround times, and minimise delays – all while enhancing safety and sustainability. 

From harnessing AI to optimise gate allocation, to using data-driven insights for more precise scheduling and airside decision-making, this discussion will showcase the latest advancements in airport efficiency. Attendees will gain valuable insights into how airports can unlock hidden capacity, improve on-time performance and meet growing demand – all without laying a single brick. 

Join us for an engaging discussion on the future of airside optimisation and discover how AI and automation are redefining the limits of airport operations. 

Session 9
Panel
14:30 – 15:10 CET

The game-changing tech powering net zero aviation

As the number of passengers with reduced mobility and diverse accessibility needs continues to rise, airports are increasingly challenged to deliver a seamless and inclusive travel experience. This demographic not only includes individuals with visible physical disabilities but also those with hidden needs, presenting a complex set of operational and service-related demands. In response, airports worldwide are turning to innovative technologies to bridge these gaps and redefine accessibility standards. 

This panel will explore how cutting-edge solutions – such as automated wheelchairs, real-time sign language translation and virtual reality airport tours – are transforming the journey for passengers with accessibility needs. Industry leaders will share insights into the implementation and impact of these technologies, discussing best practices, challenges faced and measurable improvements in passenger satisfaction and operational efficiency. 

Join us to discover how airports are leveraging technology to create a more inclusive environment, ensuring that all travellers can move effortlessly and with dignity. This session is essential for those seeking to understand the future of accessible air travel and the technologies that are leading the way. 

Session 10
Fireside Chat
15:10 – 15:40 CET

Realising the digital airside

As airports accelerate their digital transformation, airside operations are evolving into highly connected, data-driven ecosystems that enhance efficiency, safety and sustainability. From AI-powered air traffic management to digital twins, IoT-enabled asset tracking and predictive maintenance, cutting-edge technologies are reshaping the way airports manage ground operations. 

This expert panel will bring together industry leaders to explore the opportunities and challenges of integrating these digital solutions. Discussions will delve into the tangible benefits of automation, real-time data analytics and seamless connectivity in optimising aircraft turnaround times, improving operational resilience and reducing environmental impact. 

Join us for an in-depth conversation on how a fully digital airside can unlock new levels of performance, sustainability, and adaptability – ensuring airports remain agile in an era of growing passenger demand and regulatory pressures. 

Session 11
Fireside Chat
16:10 – 16:40 CET

Data is the new jet fuel

How advanced analytics are powering the next-gen airport 

Every day, airports generate vast volumes of operational, passenger and security-related data, yet much of this information remains untapped. Harnessing the full potential of advanced analytics can transform airport efficiency, enhance the passenger experience and unlock new revenue streams. 

However, realising a truly data-driven airport comes with significant challenges. Airports must navigate complex data-sharing dynamics with airlines and stakeholders, integrate disparate data sources, and ensure the security and resilience of their analytics platforms against evolving cyber threats. Successfully addressing these obstacles requires a strategic approach to data governance, infrastructure investment and cross-industry collaboration. 

This panel brings together industry experts to explore how cutting-edge analytics, artificial intelligence and machine learning are having a big impact airport operations. From predictive maintenance and real-time passenger flow optimisation to demand forecasting and revenue management, we will delve into the opportunities and hurdles shaping the future of smart airports. 

Session 12
Panel
16:40 – 17:20 CET

The cyber battleground

Defending airports from invisible threats 

As airports embrace greater connectivity and digitalisation, they increasingly find themselves vulnerable to a growing array of cyber threats aimed at their critical systems and sensitive data. This panel will provide an in-depth exploration of the evolving cyber-security landscape within the aviation industry, focusing on the latest cyber threats, vulnerabilities and effective defence strategies. 

Industry experts will analyse the unique challenges airports face in protecting both operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) infrastructures. The discussion will cover the importance of regulatory compliance, the integration of advanced cyber-security protocols and the emerging role of artificial intelligence (AI) in real-time threat detection and mitigation. 

Join us for this vital session as we uncover best practices and innovative solutions to help airports strengthen their cyber defences. This panel will provide actionable insights into safeguarding not only the integrity of airport operations, but also the safety and security of passengers in an increasingly interconnected world. 

2025

Sponsors

+impact logo
Veovo logo
Robin Radar Systems logo
AeroCloud logo
Atkins Realis logo
BER Berlin Brandenburg Airport logo
Forbo Movement Systems logo
Louhe logo
Synaptic Aviation logo
ZeroG logo
ACI Airports Council logo
Eezeetags logo
NATS logo
Zuhlke logo
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