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
08:00 – 09:00 Registration & Welcome Coffee
TUESDAY, 23 June 2026
08:00 – 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
Our political address comes from Albert Cirio, President of the Regional Government of Piedmont. Albert is also Head of the Italian delegation to the Committee of the Regions in Brussels: giving him invaluable perspectives from both a regional, and pan-European, level. He will set the scene for RACE 2026 with a special address on the importance of regional air connectivity – enhanced with his keen knowledge of the high-level European political scenario.
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 Policy Keynote: Airport Resilience amidst Shifting EU Regulatory Framework
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: Global Economics Intelligence
TUESDAY, 23 June 2026
11:10 – 11:30
Address
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.
11:30 – 12:30 The Airport CEO Symposium – Leadership and Resilience in Times of Disruption
TUESDAY, 23 June 2026
11:30 – 12:30
Panel Discussion
Grand Hotel Prague Towers, Suite 1
Don’t miss this year’s Airport CEO Symposium, a flagship session bringing together the leaders of some of the world’s most influential airports.
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.
12:30 – 13:20 Where Next with Our Decarbonisation Journey?
TUESDAY, 23 June 2026
12:30 – 13:20
Panel Discussion
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.
13:20 – 14:20 Networking Lunch
TUESDAY, 23 June 2026
13:20 – 14:20
Networking
Grand Hotel Prague Towers, Foyer 3rd floor
14:20 – 15:00 Financing Airport Development: Rates, Returns and Resilience
TUESDAY, 23 June 2026
14:20 – 15:00
Panel Discussion
Grand Hotel Prague Towers, Suite 1
In a world defined by its financial uncertainty and volatile trade 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.
15:00 – 15:15 Diamond Sponsor Showcase
TUESDAY, 23 June 2026
15:00 – 15:15
Presentation
Grand Hotel Prague Towers, Suite 1
15:15 – 16:15 Maximising Revenue: Key innovations at the Heart of Non-Aeronautical Revenue Streams & Amid Rising Consumer Expectations
TUESDAY, 23 June 2026
15:15 – 16:50
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 who 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 – 16:45 New Partnerships for Shared Resilience: a Collaborative Future for Airports, Airlines, Cities and Catchment Areas
TUESDAY, 23 June 2026
16:15 – 16:45
Interview
Grand Hotel Prague Towers, Suite 1
This high-level interview will explore how airports, airlines, and cities can forge stronger partnerships to build shared resilience and unlock sustainable regional growth.
Leave this discussion knowing how to redefine collaboration across the wider airport catchment ecosystem – fostering investment, innovation, and connectivity that benefit both local economies and the broader aviation network.
16:50 – 17:50 ACI EUROPE Annual General Assembly (reserved for Members)
TUESDAY, 23 June 2026
16:50 – 17:50
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 – 09:30 Keynote Address: SESAR
WEDNESDAY, 24 June 2026
09:10 – 09:30
Address
Grand Hotel Prague Towers, Suite 1
09:30 – 10:10 AI as Key Airport Innovation Enabler
WEDNESDAY, 24 June 2026
09:30 – 10:10
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
10:45 – 11:15 Coffee Break
WEDNESDAY, 24 June 2026
10:45 – 11:15
Networking
Grand Hotel Prague Towers, Foyer
11:15 – 11:45 Entry-Exit System – Lessons Learned
WEDNESDAY, 24 June 2026
11:15 – 11:45
Panel Discussion
Grand Hotel Prague Towers, Suite 1
With the EU’s Entry-Exit System (EES) now in full swing, this interview will focus on the key lessons learned from early implementation and cross-border coordination. Featuring a diverse range of key stakeholders – including the perspectives of the European Commission, airports, and non-aviation transport hubs – discover where we are with the EES now, and the key vision for its future.
11:45 – 12:30 Cleared for Growth: Overcoming Europe’s Political and Local Airport Capacity Roadblocks
WEDNESDAY, 24 June 2026
11:45 – 12:30
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.
12:30 – 12:40 Wrap-up from Master of Ceremonies
WEDNESDAY, 24 June 2026
12:30 – 12:40
Grand Hotel Prague Towers, Suite 1
12:45 – 14:00 Farewell Lunch
WEDNESDAY, 24 June 2026
12:45 – 14:00
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.
