PROGRAMME
The 2026 ACI EUROPE Annual Congress & General Assembly in Prague brought 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 explored how airports can lead through uncertainty – addressing resilience, sustainability, financing, and innovation across Europe’s aviation ecosystem.
The programme featured 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 examined the latest economic and policy trends shaping Europe’s air transport sector and shared strategies for delivering sustainable growth and capacity.
12:00 – 21:00 Exhibition Setup & Delegate Registration
MONDAY, 22 June 2026
12:00 – 21:00
Suite 2 & Lobby, 3rd floor
16:00 – 18:00 World Business Partners Meeting (by invitation only)
MONDAY, 22 June 2026
16:00 – 18:00
ABC Salon, 24th floor
19:00 – 22:00 Welcome Reception
MONDAY, 22 June 2026
19:00 – 22:00
Networking
Foyer 3rd floor & Suite 2, 3rd floor
08:00 – 08:30 Registration & Welcome Coffee
TUESDAY, 23 June 2026
08:00 – 08:30
Networking
Lobby & Foyer, 3rd floor
08:30 – 08:35 Opening by Master of Ceremonies
TUESDAY, 23 June 2026
08:30 – 08:35
Suite 1, 3rd floor
Daniel Stach
Host & Reporter
Czech Television
08:35 – 08:45 Host Welcome
TUESDAY, 23 June 2026
08:35 – 08:45
Address
Suite 1, 3rd floor
Jiří Pos
Chairman of the Board of Directors
Prague Airport
08:45 – 08:55 Welcome Address
TUESDAY, 23 June 2026
08:45 – 09:05
Address
Suite 1, 3rd floor
A representative of the Ministry of Regional Development of the Czech Republic will officially welcome delegates to Prague, highlighting the importance of connectivity, sustainable tourism and aviation’s contribution to regional and economic development. The address will set the national context for the discussions ahead and underline the Czech Republic’s commitment to supporting a resilient and competitive aviation sector.
Zuzana Mrázová
Minister
Ministry of Regional Development of the Czech Republic
08:55 – 09:35 The State of the Industry
TUESDAY, 23 June 2026
09:05 – 09:35
Presentation
Suite 1, 3rd floor
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.
Olivier Jankovec
Director General
ACI EUROPE
09:35 – 10:15 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
09:35 – 10:15
Interview
Suite 1, 3rd floor
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.
Stefan Schulte
Chief Executive Officer Fraport AG & President
ACI EUROPE
Magda Kopczyńska
Director General – Directorate-General Mobility and Transport
European Commission
Moderated by
Andrew Charlton
Managing Director
Aviation Advocacy
10:15 – 10:45 Coffee Break
TUESDAY, 23 June 2026
10:15 – 10:45
Networking
Foyer, 3rd floor
10:45 – 11:05 The Airline Interview: How Wizz Air is Positioning Itself for Global Growth and European expansion
TUESDAY, 23 June 2026
11:35 – 12:10
Interview
Suite 1, 3rd floor
As Wizz Air continues to strengthen its position across Europe and beyond, its leadership outlines the airline’s vision for expanding its international footprint while maintaining a strong and competitive core network. In conversation with Mark Pilling, the session will explore strategy, market opportunities, partnerships, and what success looks like in an increasingly dynamic aviation market, as well as the implications for Europe’s future air connectivity.
Chief Commercial Officer, Wizz AirIan Malin
Chief Commercial Officer
Wizz Air
Interviewed by
Mark Pilling
Managing Editor
Aviation Week Network
11:05 – 11:50 The Airport CEO Symposium: New strategies for Navigating Uncertainty, Volatility and Disruption: Is It All About Resilience?
TUESDAY, 23 June 2026
10:45 – 11:35
Panel Discussion
Suite 1, 3rd floor
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.
Javier Marín
Executive Vice-Chairman
Aena
Aletta von Massenbach
Chief Executive Officer
Berlin Brandenburg Airport
Amelia Corti
Managing Director
Milan Bergamo Airport
Kam Jandu
Chief Executive Officer
AGS Airports
Selahattin Bilgen
Chief Executive Officer
iGA Istanbul Airport
Moderated by
Mark Pilling
Managing Editor
Aviation Week Network
11:50 – 12:35Panel Discussion: Cleared for Growth - Navigating and Overcoming European and Local Airport Capacity Roadblocks
TUESDAY, 23 June 2026
12:10 – 13:00
Panel Discussion
Suite 1, 3rd floor
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.
Javier Marín
Executive Vice-Chairman
Aena
Arnaud Feist
Chief Executive Officer
Brussels Airport
Hugo Espírito Santo
Secretary of State for Infrastructure
Portuguese Ministry of Infrastructure
Filip Cornelis
Director for Aviation
DG MOVE Directorate E, European Commission
Filip Czernicki
Chief Executive Officer & President of the Board
Port Polska
Moderated by
Kata Cserep
Partner
PA Consulting
12:35 – 12:50 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
14:50 – 15:10
Presentation
Suite 1, 3rd floor
Unpacking the forces shaping today’s air fares, this Special Address by Oxera will explore the complex market dynamics influencing pricing – and what they mean for consumers, airports and regulators alike.
Michele Granatstein
Partner
Oxera
13:00 – 14:00 Lunch
TUESDAY, 23 June 2026
13:00 – 14:00
Networking
Let´s Eat Restaurant, 2nd floor
14:00 – 14:15 Presentation: Developing Airport Infrastructure – Prague Airport Approach
TUESDAY, 23 June 2026
15:10 – 15:20
Presentation
Suite 1, 3rd floor
Prague Airport’s recent extraordinary success is no secret – welcoming 46 new routes, 24 new destinations and 12 new carriers in 2025 alone. This address will provide you with all you need to know about their multi-billion euro expansion, providing insights on their approach to developing airport infrastructure and more.
Member of the Board of Directors, Chief Operations & Security Officer, Prague AirportMartin Kučera
Member of the Board of Directors, Chief Operations & Security Officer
Prague Airport
14:15 – 15:00 Panel Discussion: Financing Airport Development: Rates, Returns and Resilience
TUESDAY, 23 June 2026
14:30 – 15:10
Panel Discussion
Suite 1, 3rd floor
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.
Armando Brunini
Chief Executive Officer
SEA Milan Airports
Alexis Ballif
Head of Transportation Europe & Managing Director
Ardian France
Joanna Fic
Senior Vice President, Infrastructure Finance
Moody’s Ratings
Thomas Woldbye
Chief Executive Officer
Heathrow Airport
Moderated by
Gonzalo Velasco
Director
Steer
15:00 – 15:100 Set-the-Scene Keynote: Europe as a Driver of Innovation and Competitiveness in Travel Retail
TUESDAY, 23 June 2026
15:10 – 15:20
Keynote
Suite 1, 3rd floor
Travel retail leader Frédéric Chevalier will share expert insights on how innovation, consumer trends and strategic investment are shaping Europe’s competitiveness and future growth in the travel retail sector. Drawing on Lagardère Travel Retail’s phenomenal success, he will explore how bespoke offers and immersive passenger experiences are transforming travel hubs into destinations for discovery and enjoyment.
Frédéric Chevalier
Chief Executive Officer
Lagardère Travel Retail
15:10 – 15:55 Panel Discussion: Maximising Non-Aeronautical Revenues - Key Innovations Amid Changing Consumer Expectations & Behaviour
TUESDAY, 23 June 2026
15:20 – 16:05
Panel Discussion
Suite 1, 3rd floor
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.
Pieter van der Horst
Managing Director
Airport City Academy
Julian Jäger
Joint Chief Executive Officer & Chief Operating Officer
Vienna International Airport
Jaroslav Petržela
Member of the Board of Directors
Prague Airport
Lucio Rossetto
Regional Chief Operating Officer for Europe & Corporate Social Responsibility Officer
Lagardère Travel Retail
Moderated by
Thomas Kaneko Henningsen
Partner
Blueprint
15:55 – 16:35 Deep Dive into Market Dynamics: Special Focus on Emerging & Growing Eurasian Aviation Markets
TUESDAY, 23 June 2026
16:05 – 16:45
Panel Discussion
Suite 1, 3rd floor
As traffic patterns shift, geopolitics redraws air connectivity, and potential to fly soars, certain Eurasian markets are accelerating at remarkable speed. In this strategic deep dive into the new geography of Eurasian aviation growth, hear directly from the leaders of Uzbekistan Airports, Azerbaijan Airlines, TAV Airports and Polish Airports S.A. on what is driving this momentum – and how regulatory and competitive dynamics are shaping the next phase of development.
Jesus Caballero Pinto
Chief Executive Officer
Sofia International Airport
Rowan Chalmers
Chief Executive Officer
Azerbaijan Airports
Giray Çolpan
Head of Business Development
TAV Airports
Eleni Kaloyirou
Chief Executive Officer
Hermes Airports
Moderated by
Esther Kromhout
Managing Director
NACO
16:45 – 17:00 Networking Break
TUESDAY, 23 June 2026
16:45 – 17:00
Networking
Foyer, 3rd floor
17:00 – 18:00 ACI EUROPE Annual General Assembly (reserved for Members)
TUESDAY, 23 June 2026
17:00 – 18:00
Suite 1, 3rd floor
18:15 – 18:45 Transport to the Gala Dinner
TUESDAY, 23 June 2026
18:15 – 18:45
19:00 – 23:00 Gala Dinner incl. Best Airport Awards Ceremony & Host Handover
TUESDAY, 23 June 2026
19:00 – 23:00
Networking
Prague Castle, Spanish Hall
23:00 – 23:45 Transport back from Gala Dinner
TUESDAY, 23 June 2026
23:00 – 23:45
07:30 – 08:15 Beyond Green Deal Commitments: Leading EU Airports Through the Sustainability Transition
TUESDAY, 23 June 2026
07:30 – 08:15
Grand Hotel Prague Towers, ABC Salon
Executive roundtable where participants from the European Green Deal airport projects OLGA, TULIPS, and Stargate, will share lessons, examine the main barriers to implementation and discuss what is needed to accelerate progress.
The discussion will contribute to a joint reflection on the policy and industry actions required to support the transition towards more sustainable airports.
To confirm your attendance, please register here.
08:30 – 09:00 Registration & Welcome Coffee
WEDNESDAY, 24 June 2026
08:30 – 09:00
Networking
Lobby & Foyer, 3rd floor
09:00 – 09:10 Welcome by Master of Ceremonies
WEDNESDAY, 24 June 2026
09:00 – 09:10
Suite 1
Daniel Stach
Host & Reporter
Czech Television
09:10 – 09:40 Keynote Interview: Four Years On – How Have Ukrainian Airports Weathered the Ongoing War and How Are They Preparing for the Restart of Operations
WEDNESDAY, 24 June 2026
09:10 – 09:40
Interview
Suite 1, 3rd floor
For more than four years, Ukrainian airports have faced circumstances unlike anything seen elsewhere in Europe. In this candid conversation, Oleksyi Dubrevskyy joins David Feldman, Managing Partner of Exambela Consulting, to discuss how Ukrainian airports have adapted to the realities of war, what it takes to maintain operational readiness during prolonged closure, and how preparations are already underway for the eventual restart of operations.
Oleksyi Dubrevskyy
Director General
Kyiv Boryspil International Airport
Interviewed by
David Feldman
Managing Partner
Exambela Consulting
09:40 – 10:40 Panel Discussion: Where Next with Our Decarbonisation Journey?
WEDNESDAY, 24 June 2026
09:55 – 10:50
Panel Discussion
Suite 1, 3rd floor
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.
Stéphane Rouault
Head of the ZEROe Ecosystem & Value
Airbus
Antoine Toutlemon
European Affairs Advisor
AURA AERO
Abraham Foss
Chief Executive Officer
Avinor
Rob Barnes
Head of Commercial, Shell Aviation Europe
Shell International Petroleum Company Ltd.
Moderated by
Kata Cserep
Partner
PA Consulting
10:40 – 11:20 Coffee Break
WEDNESDAY, 24 June 2026
10:50 – 11:20
Networking
Grand Hotel Prague Towers, Foyer
11:20 – 11:40 Special Address: Technology Trends Defining the Airport of Tomorrow - SITA Insights
WEDNESDAY, 24 June 2026
11:20 – 11:40
Address
Suite 1, 3rd floor
The presentation will precede a panel discussion on AI as an airport innovation enabler and will focus on innovation and artificial intelligence in the aviation sector. It will also provide SITA’s perspective on the key technology trends shaping the airport of tomorrow, including selected developments relevant to the airline business. Drawing on insights from the SITA IT Insights Survey, the session will offer a data-driven view of how digital transformation is redefining the industry.
Nathalie Altwegg
Senior Vice President Airports
SITA
11:40 – 12:25 Panel Discussion: AI as the Key Airport Innovation Enabler
WEDNESDAY, 24 June 2026
11:40 – 12:20
Panel Discussion
Suite 1, 3rd floor
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
Thomas Hoff Andersson
Managing Director & Chief Operating Officer
Munich Airport
Marco Troncone
Chief Executive Officer
Aeroporti di Roma
Founder & Chief Executive Officer, AIRIS TEC PTE. LTD.Zhongcheng Gui
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
AIRIS TEC PTE. LTD.
Executive Director, SESAR 3 Joint UndertakingAndreas Boschen
Executive Director
SESAR 3 Joint Undertaking
General Manager, Airport IntelligenceKorijn Defever
General Manager
Airport Intelligence
Moderated by
Ruud Ummels
European Airport Lead
PA Consulting
12:25 – 12:45 Special Address: Global Economics Intelligence by McKinsey
WEDNESDAY, 24 June 2026
12:20 – 12:40
Presentation
Suite 1, 3rd floor
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.
Steve Saxon
Partner
McKinsey
12:45 – 13:25 Wrapping up: The Future Airport Business Model
WEDNESDAY, 24 June 2026
12:40 – 13:30
Panel Discussion
Suite 1, 3rd floor
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.
Jiří Pos
Chairman of the Board of Directors
Prague Airport
Aletta von Massenbach
Chief Executive Officer
Berlin Brandenburg Airport
Chief Executive Officer of Concessions at VINCI, and President of VINCI AirportsNicolas Notebaert
Chief Executive Officer of Concessions at VINCI, and President of VINCI Airports
Armando Brunini
Chief Executive Officer
SEA Milan Airports
Moderated by
Managing Partner, Exambela ConsultingDavid Feldman
Managing Partner
Exambela Consulting
13:25 – 13:30 Wrap-up from Master of Ceremonies
WEDNESDAY, 24 June 2026
13:30 – 13:35
Suite 1, 3rd floor
Daniel Stach
Host & Reporter
Czech Television
13:30 – 14:30 Farewell Lunch
WEDNESDAY, 24 June 2026
13:35 – 14:45
Networking
Let´s Eat Restaurant, 2nd floor
15:00 – 16:00 Airport Tour
WEDNESDAY, 24 June 2026
15:00 – 16:00
Prague Airport
The Airport Tour is now fully booked and is no longer available for registration.
08:00 - 09:00 Advancing Women in Airports: From Insight to Action
WEDNESDAY, 24 June 2026
08:00 – 09:00
Grand Hotel Prague Towers, Bellevue Hall
This inaugural working session convenes women from across regions to discuss key findings from ACI World’s workforce analysis and identify priorities for advancing women in the airport sector. Through an open and interactive dialogue, participants will help shape the next phase of collective action and engagement.
To RSVP, please contact: bjeremic@aci.aero.
