World Aviation Festival 2026: Airlines and Airports to Shape the Future of Aviation

The global aviation industry is heading to Lisbon this October for the World Aviation Festival 2026, bringing together airline executives, airport leaders, technology companies and aviation innovators to discuss what comes next for air travel.

The three-day event will take place from October 13 to 15, 2026, at FIL in Lisbon, Portugal. Organised by Terrapinn, the World Aviation Festival is positioned as a major aviation technology conference and exhibition, with more than 4,500 attendees and 600 speakers expected in 2026.

View the Google Map to see the location of the venue.

By Metro:

Take the Red Line (Linha Vermelha) and get off at Oriente Station, which is about a 10-minute walk from FIL. Mainline and regional trains also serve Oriente Station.

Nearest Bus Stop:

Estação Oriente, also around a 10-minute walk from the venue.

What are the Main Topics at World Aviation Festival 2026?

The event covers a wide range of aviation topics, including:

✈️ Digital and IT
🤖 AI and machine learning
🛫 Airport technology
👥 Customer experience
💳 Payments
🎯 Loyalty
🛍️ Airline retail
🌱 Sustainability
🔐 Cybersecurity
📱 Digital operations
🧳 Ground operations
📊 Innovation
👨‍✈️ Talent
⚠️ Irregular operations
📣 Marketing
📡 Inflight connectivity and entertainment

Who can attend World Aviation Festival 2026?

The event is aimed at aviation industry professionals, including airlines, airports, ground handlers, technology companies and other aviation stakeholders. Terrapinn says complimentary airline and airport passes are reserved for airlines, airports and ground-handling officials. Applicants need to use a valid organisation email address. A separate supplier/service-provider pass is also available.

Why “World Aviation Festival 2026” important for Airlines and Airports?

The aviation industry is changing quickly. Airlines and airports are investing in digital platforms, artificial intelligence, automation, customer experience and new operational systems while also dealing with sustainability and cybersecurity challenges.

The World Aviation Festival provides a meeting point for senior decision-makers to discuss these developments and explore new partnerships. The organisers say the event will bring together airlines, airports and senior executives responsible for areas such as software, services, marketing and distribution.

AI and Technology Take Centre Stage

Artificial intelligence is expected to be one of the major themes at the World Aviation Festival 2026. The conference programme includes discussions around AI and machine learning, digital operations, airport technology and data-driven aviation.

One scheduled session will examine how airlines and airports can use AI and data science to optimise aviation operations. The panel includes senior representatives from British Airways, Finnair, Finavia, Air Europa and Air Canada, highlighting the growing role of AI in operational decision-making.

Media Passes

If you are a journalist, editor, or content creator covering the aviation and travel technology industries, please complete the form below to apply for a media pass. Your application will be reviewed by the event team, who will contact you with confirmation.

👉Apply for Media Pass 

Airport Growth and the Airport of the Future

Airport development will also be a major focus. A keynote panel titled “Growth without compromise – rethinking the airport model for sustainable growth” will examine how airports can manage increasing traffic, capacity and passenger expectations.

The discussion is expected to cover infrastructure development, operational resilience, airline-airport coordination and digital investment. Speakers include executives from Fraport, Swissport, Dubai Airports and London Gatwick Airport.

Another session will explore “The airport of the future”, with discussions around technology, partnerships, people, passenger experience, resilience and sustainability.

Airlines Focus on Digital Transformation

Airlines are also facing pressure to modernise their technology infrastructure while continuing to operate at scale. The 2026 programme includes sessions examining technology investment, AI, cloud systems, automation and modernising legacy airline platforms.

A digital and IT panel will specifically examine where airlines should place their biggest technology investments between 2026 and 2028. That makes the event particularly relevant for airline CIOs, digital executives, technology providers and aviation investors.

Passenger Experience Remains a Key Priority

Technology is not only changing airline operations. It is also changing the passenger journey. The World Aviation Festival programme includes sessions covering customer experience, connected seatbacks, digital platforms, payments, loyalty and airline retail.

Airlines and airports are increasingly looking at how digital services can make travel easier while creating additional commercial opportunities. It includes everything from personalised services and digital platforms to connected inflight entertainment and contactless passenger journeys.

Sustainability and Aviation Growth

Sustainability will remain another important topic at the festival. The official event lists sustainability among its core conference themes, alongside technology, innovation and aviation business models.

For airlines and airports, the challenge is not simply increasing passenger numbers. They also need to improve operational efficiency and prepare for a more sustainable aviation future.

Cybersecurity and Digital Operations

As airports and airlines become increasingly dependent on connected technology, cybersecurity is becoming a critical aviation issue.

The World Aviation Festival programme includes cybersecurity, digital operations, airport technology, ground operations and irregular operations (IROPS) among its conference topics. These areas are particularly important as more aviation processes move from traditional systems to cloud-based and digitally connected platforms.

Who will Speak at World Aviation Festival 2026?

The confirmed speaker list includes senior airline and airport executives.

Among those listed are:

• Luis Rodrigues, CEO, TAP Air Portugal
• Roberto Alvo, CEO, LATAM Airlines Group
• Adrian Neuhauser, CEO, Abra Group
• George Kamal, Group MD & CEO, Kenya Airways
• Joerg Eberhart, CEO, ITA Airways
• Christina Cassotis, CEO, Pittsburgh International Airport
• Mustafa Egilmezbilek, CIO, SunExpress
• Abdelhamid Addou, CEO, Royal Air Maroc
• Ian Malin, CCO, Wizz Air
• Beatriz Guillen, CCO, Iberia

The presence of airline and airport executives makes the festival particularly relevant for aviation professionals following industry strategy and technology trends.

How to Purchase Tickets for “World Aviation Festival 2026”?

The organisers offer different ticket options depending on the attendee’s role. Airline, airport and ground-handling officials can check whether they qualify for a complimentary pass, while suppliers and service providers can use the relevant paid ticket option. Please check the official website before booking Tickets, because pricing can change, visitors.

1. Open the official Terrapinn registration page.
2. Choose your preferred registration package.
3. For the Conference & Exhibition Pass, click “Book My Pass.”
4. For a group of 3 or more, select “Book My Group.”
5. Eligible airline and airport executives can apply for the Complimentary pass by clicking “Apply for Pass.”
6. Complete the registration form with your required personal and professional details.
7. Submit the registration form and follow the instructions shown on the next screen.
8. If applying for the complimentary executive pass, complete the required 2-minute interactive Q&A with the Event AI Assistant to confirm your pass.
9. Keep your registration confirmation for event entry.

World Aviation Festival 2026 in Lisbon

With 4,500+ attendees and 600 speakers, the 2026 edition is expected to be a major meeting point for the global aviation technology community.

The event will give airlines, airports and technology companies an opportunity to discuss how aviation can become more connected, efficient and digitally driven. For aviation professionals, the most interesting part may be how the industry combines AI, technology, passenger experience and sustainability while continuing to support future growth.

FAQ’s

1.When is World Aviation Festival 2026?

• World Aviation Festival 2026 will take place from October 13 to 15, 2026.

2. Where is World Aviation Festival 2026?

• The event will be held at FIL in Lisbon, Portugal.

3. How many people are expected at World Aviation Festival 2026?

• Terrapinn says the 2026 event will bring together more than 4,500 attendees and 600 speakers.

4. Can airline and airport employees get free tickets?

• Complimentary passes are reserved for eligible airline, airport and ground-handling officials, with a valid organisation email required when applying.

5. Is World Aviation Festival an aviation technology event?

• Yes. Terrapinn describes World Aviation Festival as a major aviation technology conference and exhibition focused on the global aviation industry.

Final Takeaway

World Aviation Festival 2026 is set to bring together some of the aviation industry’s biggest names in Lisbon from October 13–15. With discussions covering AI, airport technology, airline digital transformation, passenger experience, sustainability and cybersecurity, the event should offer plenty of insight into where the aviation industry is heading next.

For airlines, airports, aviation technology companies and industry professionals, Lisbon will be an important place to watch the latest ideas and partnerships shaping the future of air travel.