World Aviation Conference 2026 Highlights the Changing Role of Airports
The World Aviation Conference 2026 highlighted how airports are moving beyond their traditional role as transport hubs. Across five key sessions, airport leaders and industry experts discussed artificial intelligence, passenger experience, aviation security, air cargo and large-scale airport expansion.
Session 1, “Beyond an Airport, Beyond AI,” focused on the rapid rise of artificial intelligence and the infrastructure needed to support it.
Song Chong, Head and ICT Endowed Chair Professor at KAIST, moderated the session. Panelists included Jiwoo Son, CEO of XITY Development; Dong Gi Im, Director of the Future Vehicle Center at Incheon Technopark; Pranav Mistry, Founder and CEO of NU Tech; and Heon Hyeock Cho, Vice President of the Datacenter Business Group at LG CNS.
A major topic was the role of data centers. As AI use grows, reliable computing power and stable digital infrastructure are becoming more important. The session also examined Incheon International Airport’s plan to build an Aviation AI Innovation Hub as a new source of future growth.
Session 2, “Terminal Ambience for Differentiated Experience,” focused on how airports can create a better experience for passengers.
The session was moderated by Jin Woo Park, Professor at Korea Aerospace University. Panelists included Julian Jäger, Joint CEO and COO of Vienna Airport; Kjell Kloosterziel, Director of Strategy and Airport Planning at Royal Schiphol Group; and Jeff Kaeonil, Design Director at HOK.
The discussion showed that airport design is no longer only about moving passengers quickly and safely. The atmosphere of a terminal, including its design, comfort and overall feeling, is becoming an important part of airport competitiveness. A better passenger experience can also support stronger commercial performance and airport branding.
Session 3, “Enhancing AVSEC Operation Efficiency,” addressed one of the most difficult issues facing airports: how to improve security while keeping passenger movement smooth.
Paul Burton, Regional Vice President for APAC and the Middle East at Aviation Week Network, moderated the discussion. Panelists included Kirk Goodlet, Vice President at InterVISTAS Consulting; Sascha König, Senior Vice President Aviation Passenger Process at Fraport AG; and Gary Leung, Senior Manager for Security and Facilitation at ACI APAC & ME.
The panel discussed changing security threats, limited airport resources and the need for faster screening. Technology, better passenger processes and closer international cooperation were seen as key tools for improving both safety and operating efficiency.
Session 4, “Innovation in Air Cargo Business,” explored new opportunities in the global air cargo market.
Chi Ung Song, Executive Director of the Airport Industry Research Institute at Incheon International Airport Corporation, moderated the session. Panelists included Jimmy Liu, Deputy Director of Property Development at Taoyuan International Airport Corporation; Isabelle François, Lead of the Precision Therapy Logistics Gateway project at Brussels Airport; and David Wee, Regional Cargo Manager for Asia Pacific at IATA.
The session showed how airports are moving into more specialized and higher-value cargo services. Medical, pharmaceutical and other time-sensitive products are becoming important areas of growth. For major airports, cargo is increasingly seen as a strategic business rather than only a support service for airlines.
Session 5, “Airport Construction and Expansion Plan,” focused on major airport projects across the Asia-Pacific region.
Paul Burton moderated the panel with Naoki Fujii, President and CEO of Narita International Airport Corporation; Nguyen Cao Cuong, Chairman of Airports Corporation of Vietnam; and Pantawee Yuckpan, Vice President of the Airport Development and Planning Department at Airports of Thailand.
The speakers shared plans for larger terminals, new airport infrastructure and more sustainable development. The session also showed how technology is becoming part of airport construction from the early planning stage.
The five sessions reflected a wider shift in the global airport industry. Airports are becoming digital platforms, commercial centers, logistics hubs and technology-based infrastructure. Their future value will depend not only on how many passengers they serve, but also on how well they use technology, space and new business models.