Seoul Incheon Airport to Host World Aviation Conference 2026 on Future of Airports

Incheon International Airport Corporation (IIAC) will host the World Aviation Conference 2026 from Sept. 8 to 10 at Paradise City in Incheon, bringing together aviation leaders and experts from around the world.

Launched in 2016, the conference is now in its ninth year. About 1,200 participants from airports, airlines, companies, universities and research organizations in South Korea and overseas are expected to attend.

This year’s theme is “Beyond the Airport: A Paradigm Shift in the Airport Industry.” The conference will focus on how artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies are changing airports and the wider aviation industry.

The first session will introduce Incheon Airport’s plan for an “Aviation AI Innovation Hub.” Later sessions will examine how AI can improve passenger experience, aviation security, logistics and airport development. International airports will also share their latest projects and discuss how technology could change airport operations in the coming years.

Major speakers include Airports Council International (ACI) World Director General Justin Erbacci, Narita International Airport President Naoki Fujii, Vienna Airport CEO Julian Jäger, Frankfurt Airport Vice President Sascha König, Airports of Thailand Vice President Pantawee Yuckpan and Royal Schiphol Group strategy executive Kjell Kloosterziel.

The conference will also feature an exhibition where aviation companies can present and demonstrate new technologies and equipment. IIAC has expanded the exhibition area by about 50% from last year to give more Korean companies opportunities to meet international aviation companies and explore overseas business opportunities.

The event is open not only to aviation professionals and academics but also to anyone interested in the aviation industry. Participation is free with advance registration through the conference’s official website. www.icn-wac.kr

Kim Bum-ho, acting president of IIAC, said the conference is expected to provide an important platform for discussing the future of airports as artificial intelligence becomes a growing part of the industry.

With global airports increasingly becoming technology, retail, logistics and business hubs rather than simply places for passengers to catch flights, the conference will offer a closer look at how AI could shape the next generation of airports.