Busan, Republic of Korea — Against a backdrop of accelerating airport transformation, as well as growing capacity pressures and security challenges, global airport innovation leaders are gathering in Busan for Airports Innovate 2025, the premier global conference for cutting‑edge airport technologies and forward‑thinking operational strategies.

Hosted by Korea Airports Corporation and jointly organised by ACI Asia‑Pacific & Middle East, ACI EUROPE and ACI World, the event gathers hundreds of airport innovators, start‑ups, visionary thinkers, researchers and top tech minds to capture the remarkable innovations that are redefining the future of air travel.  

A GLOBAL SNAPSHOT OF AIRPORT TRANSFORMATION 

With more than 50 expert speakers representing some of the world’s leading hubs — including the event’s host, Korea Airports Corporation, as well as Heathrow Airport, GMR Airports, Narita International Airport, Abu Dhabi Airports, Munich Airport, Queen Alia International Airport, Aena, and Incheon International Airport — and some of the world’s best aviation service providers, this year’s program delivers a panoramic view of how airports are redesigning the passenger journey, modernising infrastructure, and adopting digital tools to enhance operations and resilience.

KEY TOPICS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE:  

• Smart security and next‑generation screening 

• Accessible and inclusive passenger experience  

• AI‑powered operations and digital twins 

• Innovations in baggage processing and tracking  

• Cyber resilience  

• Fostering innovation culture  

• Drone‑enabled delivery models  

• Airport intelligence and cross‑sector data exchange 

This year, the organisers have enriched the program with the addition of a curated Airport Innovation Showcase, featuring ten leading ACI World Business Partners — key airport suppliers and service providers — with their breakthrough case study presentations.  

Participants include ARC CAST, RDC Aviation, NACO, Think Gov, Nuctech, Draxon, Roboxi, Idemia, Safe365 and Ethiack — each presenting case studies demonstrating how their solutions are already reshaping airport operations, from AI‑powered robotics to intelligent screening systems and advanced data‑driven decision tools.  

ACI EUROPE Director General, Olivier Jankovec said: “Innovation is one of the 3 key strategic directions driving the transformation of the airport business, along with Sustainability and Diversification. Cutting across all aspects of airport operations and development, it now sits at the core of airport management — holding the promise of redefining the passenger experience, breaking operational silos, boosting efficiencies and securing resilience. Airports Innovate is the ultimate collaborative forum to dive into all of that — delivered by the industry for the industry.”   

Acting CEO & President of Korea Airports Corporation, Jeong‑ki LEE said: "This event offers a venue where all global aviation leaders can experience future airport innovations firsthand. KAC remains committed to advancing global airport innovation and deepening international partnerships with a focus on digital twin, integrated control systems and smart censor solutions."