Transit hubs to lifestyle destinations: The rise of airport cities | International Airport Summit 2025 preview
Posted: 19 September 2025 | International Airport Summit | No comments yet
In this exclusive interview, Askin Demir, CEO of Aéroport International Blaise Diagne SA, shares how he’s transforming his airport into a vibrant hub that celebrates Senegalese culture while delivering a world-class passenger experience.
Can an airport be more than just a transit hub?
In this exclusive interview, Askin Demir, CEO of Aéroport International Blaise Diagne SA, shares his vision for transforming Senegal’s gateway into a vibrant lifestyle destination that reflects the country’s rich cultural identity while delivering a seamless, modern travel experience.
As part of the International Airport Summit LinkedIn interview series, supported by headline sponsors NATS and +impact, Askin explores what it takes to build an “airport city” that balances commercial ambition with operational excellence. From embedding local identity into the terminal experience to navigating the next wave of passenger-focused innovation, this conversation offers valuable insights for airport leaders looking to evolve beyond the traditional stopover model.
Topics covered include:
How to embed local identity into a world-class airport city
The balance between commerce and operational excellence
His take on the next wave of innovation in passenger experience
Askin will also be speaking on the panel From transit hubs to lifestyle destinations: the rise of airport cities on Day 1 of the International Airport Summit in Berlin. Don’t miss the opportunity to hear him live and connect with him afterwards to gain practical insights for your own airport strategy.
Watch the full interview now and discover how one of Africa’s most ambitious airports is shaping the future of travel.
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Airport cities, Duty Free, Food and Beverage (F&B), International Airport Summit, Non-aeronautical revenue, Parking, Passenger experience and seamless travel, Real estate, Retail