From 7 to 9 October, the international airport industry gathered at inter airport Europe 2025 in Munich – the world’s leading trade fair for airport equipment, technologies, design and services. For the 25th time, the trade fair offered a comprehensive overview of current developments and future trends in air transport infrastructure – from ground handling and terminal operations to refuelling and AI-controlled solutions for more efficient and sustainable processes.
With over 377 exhibitors from around the world, including 75 new products, and a high-calibre conference programme with more than 40 specialist presentations, the event was once again a must-attend for decision-makers, operators and planners from the airport industry.
Technology meets sustainability
The focus of the trade fair was on innovations designed to make airport operations faster, safer and more sustainable. Highlights at the exhibition centre included the SDX 10080 SCT, a new-generation high-speed CT scanner from Smiths Detection, the AI-supported Airside Intelligence monitoring system from ADB SAFEGATE, and future-proof lighting solutions from AviaSafe.
The interplay of digitalisation, automation and environmental awareness was a common theme throughout all the exhibition halls. Numerous exhibitors presented solutions that reduce emissions, save energy and optimise operational processes – a clear signal in the direction of sustainable airports.
Impulses from practice and research
The trade fair was accompanied by a diverse conference and seminar programme that promoted the exchange of experiences between operators, manufacturers and service providers. Representatives from international airports such as Riga, Royal Schiphol, Bologna, SEA Milan, CPK (Poland) and Vietnam provided insights into their ongoing projects and strategies for modernising infrastructure, terminal design and passenger management.
Discussions on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in airport operations attracted particular interest. Examples such as Assaia’s ApronAI and Rezcomm’s AI roadmap showed how intelligent systems optimise processes on the apron and in the terminal – from baggage handling and energy distribution to fleet management. The Centralny Port Komunikacyjny (CPK) in Poland, currently under construction, is also already relying on fully AI-controlled monitoring and process control.
Another key topic was the human factor in the digitalised world of work: in a panel discussion on human resources management, it became clear that automation creates efficiency, but ‘cannot replace the human factor and experience in security work’.
Innovation Awards honour the best ideas
Once again, a highlight of the trade fair was the presentation of the inter airport Europe Innovation Awards, which recognised outstanding developments.
Among those honoured were:
- ADB SAFEGATE for its continuous innovation,
- Imenco for the FuelSCAN Analyzer,
- Leonardo SpA for the AI-based baggage analysis system Bag Check AI,
- TK Airport Solutions for Max Automate, a remote control and monitoring solution for passenger boarding bridges,
- S4GA for a fully solar-powered CAT I Airfield Lighting System,
- and Outsight for its Spatial Intelligence Platform for passenger flow analysis.
This diversity of technologies underscores the trade fair’s commitment to promoting innovations from start-ups and established companies alike.
Global cooperation and new impetus
In addition to product premieres, the focus was also on international networking. Around 6,000 trade visitors from 23 countries – including representatives from airports in Tokyo, Vietnam and Uzbekistan – took the opportunity to make new contacts and initiate collaborations.
‘Networking is crucial in this industry – and at inter airport Europe we were able to hold very direct, qualified discussions,’ summarised Dr Jürgen Kappler, Director Portfolio Aviation & Critical Infrastructure at Smiths Detection. Nick Zea-Smith from AviaSafe was also satisfied: ‘Three days of intensive discussions and exclusive product presentations have given us valuable impetus and opened up new business opportunities.’
Another sign of increasing cooperation in the industry was set by trade fair organiser RX Global, which will now be a Gold Member of the ACI Europe World Business Partner Programme – a step that is intended to further strengthen the international links within the airport community.
Outlook: Continuation in Munich in 2027
Finally, exhibition director Syreeta Tranfield confirmed the dates for the next inter airport Europe: it will take place again in Munich from 12 to 14 October 2027.
Until then, interested parties can visit the sister events in the RX portfolio – including the Airport Show Dubai (May 2026), inter aviation Arabia (September 2026) and inter airport South East Asia (March 2027).
Conclusion
inter airport Europe 2025 impressively demonstrated that the future of airports is digital, connected and sustainable. With its focus on innovation, cooperation and practical relevance, it offered the industry exactly what it needs today: concrete solutions for the challenges of tomorrow.
