Automation, AI and robotics under the spotlight at International Airport Summit 2025

As airports worldwide race to transform their operations for a new era of air travel, automation, artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics are emerging as the undisputed stars of the upcoming International Airport Summit 2025, taking place over two days of visionary discussion and technical deep-dives.

From baggage bots and biometric boarding to AI-driven maintenance and airside optimisation, this year’s programme reflects the aviation industry’s growing urgency to embrace smart technologies in response to soaring passenger volumes, workforce challenges and mounting operational demands.

Technology reimagines the passenger experience

The spotlight on technology begins on Day 1 with the Veovo-sponsored panel “WOW every passenger”, where speakers from Miami International Airport and King Salman International Airport Development Company will explore how automation, AI and robotics are elevating the passenger journey—from robotic snack deliveries to intelligent queuing systems.

“Airports are no longer just gateways to destinations—they are becoming intelligent ecosystems,” the agenda states. “This session will show how the latest technologies are not just making travel faster, but also more engaging and personalised.”

Another standout session is the fireside chat on biometric adoption, where the Head of Digital from Noida International Airport will tackle the transition to document-free, face-as-ID travel. This builds on a global trend of streamlining airport processes using facial recognition and mobile identity.

Robots to the rescue: Easing workforce strain

With workforce shortages continuing to pressure airport operations, Day 2 of International Airport Summit dives deep into the role of robots and autonomous systems as practical solutions. In the panel “The robots are coming!”, senior leaders from Fraport and others will unpack how robotic systems—from automated baggage handlers to AI-enhanced security—are filling critical operational gaps while redefining human-machine collaboration in the airport environment.

“Robotics are not just futuristic concepts—they are already on the tarmac, in the terminal, and behind the scenes,” the session teaser reads.

Optimising operations from the ground up

In a powerful follow-up session titled “Unlocking hidden airside capacity without new infrastructure”, experts from Bangalore International Airport, Searidge Technologies and NATS will explore how AI-powered turnaround solutions, predictive analytics and computer vision are enabling airports to boost efficiency without physical expansion.

This theme continues in “Realising the digital airside”, where speakers will delve into digital twins, IoT tracking, and AI-fuelled insights for better resilience and performance.

Predicting disruption before it happens

Another highlight of Day 2 is the session titled “AI that sees the future”, focusing on predictive maintenance. Here, industry experts will showcase how AI is already monitoring temperature, vibration and energy data in real time to forecast failures in critical airport systems before they occur—minimising downtime and improving both passenger satisfaction and cost efficiency.

AI as the brains behind the operation

Later that day, the Synaptic Aviation-sponsored panel “Airports: How smart tech is optimising every inch of your airport” will spotlight how machine learning and AI are being used to optimise stand allocation, reduce turnaround delays, and help airports make real-time decisions at scale. Airports from Rome, Edmonton and Miami will provide insight into how they are translating data into decisive operational outcomes.

“The message is clear,” says the agenda. “AI isn’t just supporting airport operations—it’s becoming the brain of them.”

Building the smart airport of the future

The summit wraps up with a data-focused fireside chat, “Data is the new jet fuel”, sponsored by Zühlke Engineering. This discussion will emphasise the importance of cross-industry collaboration, robust data governance and AI-powered insights as airports work toward becoming truly smart, adaptive, and resilient.

A defining moment for the sector

Whether it’s autonomous tractors on the airfield, predictive baggage routing, or AI-backed threat detection systems, this year’s International Airport Summit offers a clear message: the future of aviation lies at the intersection of automation, intelligence and innovation.

For airport leaders looking to stay ahead of the curve, the 2025 International Airport Summit will be an unmissable deep dive into the technologies poised to transform the industry—from curb to gate.

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*Free tickets are applicable to senior managers from airports, airlines, regulatory bodies and aviation authorities.