PROGRAMME
The 2026 ACI EUROPE Annual Congress & General Assembly in Prague will bring together Europe’s airport leaders, policymakers, and industry partners for three days of strategic debate and high-level networking. Hosted by Prague Airport, the event will explore how airports can lead through uncertainty – addressing resilience, sustainability, financing, and innovation across Europe’s aviation ecosystem.
The programme features top-tier speakers from EU institutions, major airports, airlines, and industry thought leaders, with sessions on regulatory shifts, decarbonisation, infrastructure investment, and the transformative power of AI. Delegates will examine the latest economic and policy trends shaping Europe’s air transport sector and share strategies for delivering sustainable growth and capacity.
The organisers may adjust session schedules and timings. This page will be updated regularly to reflect any changes.
12:00 – 21:00 Exhibition Setup & Delegate Registration
MONDAY, 22 June 2026
12:00 – 21:00
Grand Hotel Prague Towers, Suite 2 & Lobby
16:00 – 18:00 World Business Partners Meeting (by invitation only)
MONDAY, 22 June 2026
16:00 – 18:00
Grand Hotel Prague Towers
19:00 – 22:00 Welcome Reception
MONDAY, 22 June 2026
19:00 – 22:00
Networking
Grand Hotel Prague Towers, Foyer 3rd floor & Suite 2
08:30 – 09:00 Registration & Welcome Coffee
TUESDAY, 23 June 2026
08:30 – 09:00
Networking
Grand Hotel Prague Towers, Lobby & Foyer 3rd floor
09:00 – 09:05 Opening by Master of Ceremonies
TUESDAY, 23 June 2026
09:00 – 09:00
Grand Hotel Prague Towers, Suite 1
09:05 – 09:10 Host Welcome
TUESDAY, 23 June 2026
09:05 – 09:10
Address
Grand Hotel Prague Towers, Suite 1
09:10 – 09:30 Welcome Addresses
TUESDAY, 23 June 2026
09:10 – 09:30
Address
Grand Hotel Prague Towers, Suite 1
09:30 – 10:00 The State of the Industry
TUESDAY, 23 June 2026
09:30 – 10:00
Presentation
Grand Hotel Prague Towers, Suite 1
ACI EUROPE Director General Olivier Jankovec will begin the ACI EUROPE Annual Congress & General Assembly with his renowned State of the Industry Address, providing a comprehensive overview of the current status, challenges, and future prospects of the aviation industry in Europe.
Driven by the latest data, the address offers insights into the economic outlook for the industry and discusses relevant policy developments for the upcoming year. This unmissable update will tell you everything you need to know regarding traffic trends, financial performance, and operational challenges faced by European airports.
10:00 – 10:40 The Keynote Policy Dialogue: Anchoring Airports in the EU’s Strategic Priorities of Competitiveness, Defence and Sustainability – Where Do We Stand & What Next?
TUESDAY, 23 June 2026
10:00 – 10:40
Interview
Grand Hotel Prague Towers, Suite 1
From SAF mandates to revised sustainability reporting rules and the results of the EU fitness check of aviation regulations, policy plays a fundamental role in defining the ongoing operations of European airports.
As the regulatory landscape continues to evolve with priorities shifting from an all-out green agenda to competitiveness and military readiness, understanding and adapting to these changes is crucial for airports and aviation. This high-level interview will provide you with all you need to know in the coming year – and how to truly understand the political playbook.
10:40 – 11:10 Coffee Break
TUESDAY, 23 June 2026
11:40 – 11:10
Networking
Grand Hotel Prague Towers, Foyer 3rd floor
11:10 – 11:30 Special Address: Leadership in Times of Disruption
TUESDAY, 23 June 2026
11:10 – 11:30
Address
Grand Hotel Prague Towers, Suite 1
This exclusive session – delivered by one of the world’s foremost authorities on business strategy – explores how leaders can navigate uncertainty, inspire resilience, and build adaptive organisations. Expect cutting-edge insights drawn from global research and real-world examples that will challenge and elevate your leadership thinking.
11:30 – 12:20 The Airport CEO Symposium: New strategies for Navigating Uncertainty, Volatility and Disruption: Is It All About Resilience?
TUESDAY, 23 June 2026
11:30 – 12:20
Panel Discussion
Grand Hotel Prague Towers, Suite 1
Amid ongoing disruption and transformation across the aviation ecosystem, this panel will explore how airport leaders are building leadership, resilience, and agility to thrive in an era defined by uncertainty. Expect candid insights on navigating volatility, redefining growth strategies, and steering airports towards a more sustainable and resilient future.
12:20 – 12:50 The View from Beyond Europe: How IndiGo is Positioning Itself for Global Growth and European Expansion
TUESDAY, 23 June 2026
12:20 – 12:50
Panel Discussion
Grand Hotel Prague Towers, Suite 1
As India’s economy and aviation market soar, the session will highlight IndiGo’s vision for expanding its global footprint while maintaining its strong domestic position. The discussion will cover strategic priorities, international partnerships, the drivers of success in the world’s fastest-growing aviation market, and what this means for Europe.
12:50 – 13:30 Panel Discussion: Cleared for Growth - Navigating and Overcoming European and Local Airport Capacity Roadblocks
TUESDAY, 23 June 2026
12:50 – 13:30
Panel Discussion
Grand Hotel Prague Towers, Suite 1
Europe is facing unprecedented demand for air connectivity: with passenger traffic having surpassed pre-pandemic levels and only set to grow, how do we approach the question of airport capacity?
This panel will tackle how airports can secure growth and modernisation in the face of policy resistance, environmental scrutiny, and resurgent NIMBYism. Panellists will explore how to advocate effectively for expansion, manage reputational and community challenges – and navigate the evolving debate around slot allocation and airport control over newly developed capacity.
13:30 – 14:30 Lunch
TUESDAY, 23 June 2026
13:30 – 14:30
Networking
Grand Hotel Prague Towers, Foyer 3rd floor
14:30 – 15:10 Panel Discussion: Financing Airport Development: Rates, Returns and Resilience
TUESDAY, 23 June 2026
14:30 – 15:10
Panel Discussion
Grand Hotel Prague Towers, Suite 1
In a world defined by its financial uncertainty and volatile trading conditions – how can airports strategically invest in their future infrastructure?
In this session, discover a range of voices that will provide you with a vision on how to make infrastructure investment work for you in the long term. Discover how airport infrastructure can harmoniously tie with the projected demand for air travel in Europe, whilst retaining sustainability as a key mission within your operations.
15:10 – 15:30 Deep dive into market dynamics: What is Really Driving Air Fares, and How Relevant is This for Consumers, Airports, and Regulators?
TUESDAY, 23 June 2026
15:10 – 15:30
Presentation
Grand Hotel Prague Towers, Suite 1
15:30 – 16:15 Panel Discussion: Maximising Non-Aeronautical Revenues - Key Innovations Amid Changing Consumer Expectations & Behaviour
TUESDAY, 23 June 2026
15:30 – 16:15
Panel Discussion
Grand Hotel Prague Towers, Suite 1
Rising consumer demands, shifting demographics, and evolving spending behaviours are the defining factors for airports’ commercial developments. Non-aeronautical revenue remains a potential goldmine for many airports that seek to untangle financial viability from passenger growth, but how can you identify your airport’s USP amidst the noise?
Rising consumer demands, shifting demographics, and evolving spending behaviours are the defining factors for airports’ commercial developments. Non-aeronautical revenue remains a potential goldmine for many airports that seek to untangle financial viability from passenger growth, but how can you identify your airport’s USP amidst the noise?
This session will bring together airport leaders who have successfully diversified their revenue base, alongside insights from ACI EUROPE’s Airport City and Real Estate Task Force. With their expertise, dive into new research on Gen Z and silver traveller spending patterns, and how airports can design experiences and partnerships that drive engagement, loyalty, and long-term commercial success.
16:15 – 17:00 Deep Dive into Market Dynamics: Special Focus on Emerging & Growing Eurasian Aviation Markets
TUESDAY, 23 June 2026
16:15 – 16:45
Panel Discussion
Grand Hotel Prague Towers, Suite 1
17:00 – 18:00 ACI EUROPE Annual General Assembly (reserved for Members)
TUESDAY, 23 June 2026
17:00 – 18:00
Grand Hotel Prague Towers, Suite 1
19:00 – 20:00 Transport to the Gala Dinner
TUESDAY, 23 June 2026
19:00 – 20:00
20:00 – 22:30 Gala Dinner incl. Best Airport Awards Ceremony & Host Handover
TUESDAY, 23 June 2026
20:00 – 22:30
Networking
Prague Castle, Spanish Hall
22:00 – 23:00 Transport back from Gala Dinner
TUESDAY, 23 June 2026
22:00 – 23:00
08:30 – 09:00 Registration & Welcome Coffee
WEDNESDAY, 24 June 2026
08:30 – 09:00
Networking
Grand Hotel Prague Towers, Lobby & Foyer 3rd floor
09:00 – 09:10 Welcome by Master of Ceremonies
WEDNESDAY, 24 June 2026
09:00 – 09:10
Grand Hotel Prague Towers, Suite 1
09:10 – 09:50 Panel Discussion: Where Next with Our Decarbonisation Journey?
WEDNESDAY, 24 June 2026
09:10 – 09:50
Address
Grand Hotel Prague Towers, Suite 1
As airlines and OEMs raise doubts on the feasibility of net zero targets and the pace of SAF deployment, airports find themselves at the same time deeply committed to decarbonisation as well as stuck in the middle of an increasingly complex climate debate.
With the EU navigating a polycrisis that risks pushing the green agenda down the list of political priorities, this session will examine how airports can stay on course amid shifting expectations and regulatory uncertainty.
Industry leaders will unpack the real implications of emerging zero-emission technologies, explore where responsibility lies in the immediate future, and discuss how airports can maintain momentum on decarbonisation whilst balancing operational, financial, and policy pressures.
09:50 – 10:10 Special Address: Air Transport IT Insights
WEDNESDAY, 24 June 2026
09:50 – 10:10
Address
Grand Hotel Prague Towers, Suite 1
The latest aviation IT surveys highlight rising investments in cybersecurity, biometrics, and AI-driven innovation, alongside a stronger sustainability focus. This address reveals how airports and airlines are harnessing technology to enhance operations, improve passenger journeys, and tackle persistent challenges such as increasing baggage volumes and evolving security demands.
10:10 – 11:00 Panel Discussion: AI as the Key Airport Innovation Enabler
WEDNESDAY, 24 June 2026
10:10 – 11:00
Panel Discussion
Grand Hotel Prague Towers, Suite 1
There is no doubt that AI is rapidly reshaping the aviation landscape, from passenger marketing to terminal operations. But how can airports harness AI’s full potential as a driver of efficiency, innovation, and growth?
This session will explore how airports can proactively deploy AI in the most responsible way: ensuring measurable operational gains whilst managing ethical and regulatory risks. Gain insights into every facet of AI integration, including how to attract, retain, and reskill talent in an AI-driven era: ensuring your own team evolves in step with technological transformation
11:00 – 11:30 Coffee Break
WEDNESDAY, 24 June 2026
11:00 – 11:30
Networking
Grand Hotel Prague Towers, Foyer
11:30 – 11:50 Special Address: Global Economics Intelligence
WEDNESDAY, 24 June 2026
11:30 – 11:50
Presentation
Grand Hotel Prague Towers, Suite 1
In this Special Address, discover the latest insights into the geopolitical situation and macroeconomic shifts. Gain a clear view of fluctuating trade conditions, from shifting tariff policies to evolving consumer demand, as well as how global market forces are expected to impact Europe’s aviation trends and long-term growth trajectory.
11:50 – 12:30 Wrapping up: The Future Airport Business Model
WEDNESDAY, 24 June 2026
11:50 – 12:30
Panel Discussion
Grand Hotel Prague Towers, Suite 1
As global travel patterns shift, airports are rethinking how they create value. This panel gathers leading executives to explore emerging business models – from diversified revenue streams and digital transformation to sustainability and partnership strategies – shaping the next era of airport growth and competitiveness.
12:30 – 12:40 Wrap-up from Master of Ceremonies
WEDNESDAY, 24 June 2026
12:30 – 12:40
Grand Hotel Prague Towers, Suite 1
12:40 – 14:30 Farewell Lunch
WEDNESDAY, 24 June 2026
12:40 – 14:30
Networking
Grand Hotel Prague Towers, 2nd floor
15:00 – 16:00 Airport Tour
WEDNESDAY, 24 June 2026
15:00 – 16:00
Prague Airport
To participate in the tour, please contact event@prg.aero to register. As places are limited, we encourage you to register as soon as possible to secure your spot.
