Istanbul, a city bridging Europe and Asia, became the focal point of the aviation industry as it hosted the 34th ACI EUROPE Annual Congress & General Assembly by iGA Istanbul Airport. This prestigious event where Aviation Turkey  Magazine is one of media partners,  brought together C-suite aviation executives, policymakers, business partners, analysts, and innovators to address the pressing issues facing the sector amidst global political, economic, and technological shifts. 

Against the backdrop of Europe's "Super-Election Year," geopolitical conflicts, and the ongoing challenges of decarbonisation, the conference provided a platform for Europe's airports to come together, strategise, and chart the future course of the industry. With structural changes in the aviation market and increasing pressures on financial viability, the need for unified solutions has never been more critical.

Keynote Addresses and Panel Discussions

The meticulously curated conference programme featured several high-profile speakers and panel discussions, focusing on the latest challenges and trends in the industry. Türkiye’s Transport and Infrastructure Minister, Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, delivered a keynote address emphasising aviation's pivotal role in Türkiye's strategic agenda, outlining future prospects. This was followed by a "State of the Industry" address, presenting the latest data and insights into the sector's outlook.

Leadership symposiums were held, featuring CEOs from major airports such as Athens International, Fraport, iGA Istanbul, London-Heathrow, and VINCI Airports. Discussions centred around geopolitics, sustainability, financial resilience, and the future of aviation in Türkiye and beyond.

Olivier Jankovec, Director General of ACI EUROPE, highlighted the transformation underway in the industry, remarking, “The airport business has shifted significantly to adapt to the challenges posed by the pandemic, cost pressures, and the transition to net-zero. Our annual gathering in Istanbul offers the perfect moment to take stock of these challenges and advance our vision for sustainable, competitive connectivity.”

Decarbonisation and Sustainable Growth

One of the core themes of the event was the imperative for sustainable growth. iGA Istanbul Airport's CEO, Selahattin Bilgen, underscored the airport's commitment to sustainability, stating, “Our operations are rooted in a balance between growth and environmental responsibility. Hosting this congress affirms our dedication to innovation and excellence in the aviation industry.”

During the congress, Armando Brunini, ACI EUROPE President and CEO of SEA Milan Airports, further reiterated the importance of decarbonisation, emphasising that this remains "the mother of all challenges." He also called for urgent policy interventions to ensure the availability of cost-competitive Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) and the necessary infrastructure to support the upcoming generation of zero-emission aircraft. 

Challenges Facing Europe’s Airports

The future viability of Europe’s airports was a focal point of the discussions. Despite the recovery of passenger traffic post-pandemic, Jankovec stressed the competitive pressures airports face, particularly in terms of revenue imbalances and investment needs. In 2023, Europe’s airports posted a net profit of €8 billion, but this remains below pre-pandemic levels. With inflation driving up operating costs and €130 billion of debt accumulated since COVID, Jankovec warned of a potential investment squeeze in the sector.

Additionally, rising airfares and increased operational costs highlight the urgency for regulatory reforms. Jankovec criticised regulatory bodies in Ireland and France for favouring airlines at the expense of broader consumer and environmental interests.

Brunini  also called for reforms to the 30-year-old EU Airport Slots Regulation, arguing that transparency in slot allocation and usage is essential to maintaining the competitiveness of Europe’s aviation market.

Innovation was another central topic at the congress, with a particular focus on how digitalisation and AI can transform airport operations. Jankovec highlighted the need for airports to break free from operational silos through better data integration and access, suggesting that airports must become the “masters of their own capacity and performance.” He urged reforms in airport slot rules both within the EU and the UK, enabling airports to operate more efficiently.

The 34th ACI EUROPE Annual Congress in Istanbul marked a pivotal moment for the aviation industry. With global challenges mounting, from decarbonisation to geopolitical pressures, Europe’s airports face an uncertain future. Yet, the gathering demonstrated the sector's resilience and commitment to shaping a more sustainable, competitive future. Through collaboration, innovation, and regulatory reform, Europe's aviation leaders are taking bold steps to ensure long-term growth and viability for passengers, communities, and the environment