Airports Council International (ACI) World has announced that iGA Istanbul Airport will host the 8th edition of the ACI World Airport Experience Summit from 31 August to 4 September 2026. The premier global event brings together airport leaders, executives, and experts to explore strategies and innovations that shape the future of passenger and employee experience.
iGA Istanbul Airport: A Rising Global Hub
Opened in 2019, iGA Istanbul Airport has rapidly become one of the world’s most important aviation hubs, connecting Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East. In 2025, ACI EUROPE named it the world’s best-connected airport. The hub welcomed more than 80 million passengers in 2024 and is targeting 120 million within the next decade.
It also became the first airport in Europe to launch simultaneous triple-runway operations in 2025, a move that significantly increased capacity and efficiency. Most recently, iGA announced a partnership with Chicago O’Hare International Airport to share expertise in operations and sustainability.
Leaders’ Perspectives
ACI World Director General Justin Erbacci called Istanbul an “exceptional choice” to host the 2026 Summit, praising the airport’s digital transformation, operational resilience, and forward-looking approach to both passenger and employee experience.
iGA CEO Selahattin Bilgen described hosting the summit as both “a recognition of how far we’ve come” and “an opportunity to showcase innovation and global aviation leadership.” He emphasized Istanbul’s role as a platform for new ideas and high-profile discussions shaping the next era of travel.
Highlights from the 2025 Summit in Guangzhou
The announcement came at the closing ceremony of the 7th edition in Guangzhou, China, which brought together more than 1,400 attendees. This year’s summit featured 57 keynote speakers across 15 panels, celebrating excellence in customer experience through the prestigious ACI ASQ Awards. Executives from leading airports and companies including Amadeus, Plaza Premium Group, Groupe ADP, and The Ritz-Carlton shared insights into innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence.
With Istanbul now set to host in 2026, the Summit is expected to further cement its reputation as the world’s leading platform for advancing airport experience and collaboration.
