Programme

2026 programme preview

Two days focused on turning AI into airport performance

AI is already being applied across airport operations, commercial optimisation and strategic planning. The question now is where it is creating real value and how airports can capture more of it. Across two days, the programme moves from real deployments and honest lessons to leadership, governance and scale.

Date1-2 December 2026
VenuePark Plaza London Riverbank
AudienceSenior airport executives, CIOs and innovation leaders
Day oneTuesday, 1 December

From Possibility to Performance

Where is AI creating value in airports today? Real deployments, real experience, outcomes and lessons.

  1. Registration and morning coffee
  2. WelcomeOpening remarks

    Egremont Group and Airport World

  3. Opening keynoteLeading Through the AI Revolution

    Mike Potter, former UK Government Chief Digital Officer

  4. Airport case studyCreating Value with AI at Sofia Airport

    Jesus Caballero, Chief Executive Officer, Sofia Airport

  5. Networking break
  6. Airport case studyReimagining Frankfurt Airport: From Vision to Value

    Verena Dollberg, Program Director, Fraport AG

  7. Airport case studyDetails to be announced
  8. Lunch and networking
  9. Airport case studyDetails to be announced
  10. Panel discussionOutcomes and Lessons from Early Deployment
  11. Afternoon networking break
  12. Breakout sessionPeer Exchange: Applying the Day's Lessons
  13. Day one closing remarks
  14. Evening networking reception
Day twoWednesday, 2 December

From Implementation to Scale

How do airports turn successful AI use cases into sustained performance?

  1. Registration and morning coffee
  2. Leadership, Governance & Organisational Readiness

    Creating the conditions for responsible and effective adoption.

  3. From Pilots to Scale

    Moving successful use cases into wider operational deployment.

  4. Innovation showcaseIdeagen
  5. Innovation showcaseSilent Falcon
  6. Networking break
  7. Creating Operational & Commercial Value

    Identifying where AI can produce measurable improvements in airport performance.

  8. Building the Business Case

    Prioritising investment and connecting AI initiatives to airport objectives.

  9. The Future Intelligent Airport

    Considering how AI may change airport operations, decision-making and organisational models over time.

  10. Farewell lunch
Real airport deployments Practical implementation Measurable outcomes Leadership and governance Honest lessons learned Peer-to-peer discussion

Programme timings and session details are subject to change.

Programme speakers

Meet our announced speakers

Airport leadership, enterprise digitalisation and public-sector transformation perspectives from the first speakers announced for AI in Airports 2026.

Jesus Caballero, Chief Executive Officer of SOF Connect

Featured speaker

Jesus Caballero

Chief Executive Officer

SOF Connect

Session focusCreating Value with AI at Sofia Airport

An airport CEO's perspective on driving AI adoption from the top of the organisation.

Verena Dollberg, Program Director, Corporate Strategy and Digitalisation at Fraport AG

Featured speaker

Verena Dollberg

Program Director, Corporate Strategy & Digitalisation

Fraport AG

Session focusReimagining Frankfurt Airport: From Vision to Value

First-hand experience of embedding AI within corporate strategy at one of Europe's largest airports.

Mike Potter, former UK Government Chief Digital Officer

Keynote speaker

Mike Potter

Former UK Government Chief Digital Officer

Keynote

Session focusLeading Through the AI Revolution

A national policy and digital-government perspective on the leadership challenges of AI adoption.

Nick Crane, Chair of AI in Airports

Summit chair

Nick Crane

Senior Management Consultant Specialised in Transport & Operations

Egremont Group

Event roleChair of AI in Airports

Chairing AI in Airports 2026, Nick will guide conversations on the opportunities and challenges of applying AI across the airport sector.