Global airport innovators converge in Busan as AIRPORTS INNOVATE 2025 sets the agenda for aviation’s next big leap

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.  

Jointly organised by ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East, ACI EUROPE and ACI World, and hosted by Korea Airports Corporation, 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, modernizing 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 programme 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 Asia-Pacific & Middle East Director General Stefano Baronci said: “Today’s passengers expect not just a safe service but an increasingly sophisticated experience. Both Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions continue to do better than the global average to personalise the experience for its customers, which is why Airports Innovate is essential for sustaining this momentum. For airports, innovation means rethinking processes, empowering people, improving passenger journeys, strengthening infrastructure, advancing sustainability, and creating fertile policy ground for transformation. Technological advancements are also a tremendous opportunity to bring the experiential dimension of travelling to a new level if supported by a well-designed human interaction.”  

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." 

Learn more about the ACI Airports Innovate event.