Focus on innovation, security and digitalisation
The 25th edition of inter airport Europe took place from 7 to 9 October 2025 at the Munich Exhibition Centre. With around 400 exhibitors from over 100 countries, the trade fair once again confirmed its status as the leading international platform for airport technology and services. This year’s focus was primarily on topics such as artificial intelligence, data security, sustainable energy supply and future-proof working concepts.¹
Innovation Awards 2025: Awards for excellence
A highlight of the trade fair was the presentation of the 25th Edition Innovation Awards, which recognised outstanding achievements in the airport industry. The winners were determined in a two-stage selection process – public voting and jury decision.
- Sustainability Innovation Award: S4GA for the fully solar-powered Solar CAT I Airfield Lighting System
- Terminal Excellence Award: Outsight for the Spatial Intelligence Platform for passenger flow optimisation
- Smart Airport & AI Innovation Award: Leonardo SpA for the AI-based baggage analysis system Bag Check AI
- Ground Support Achievement Award: TK Airport Solutions S.A. for Max Automate, the world’s first fully remote-controlled and centrally monitored passenger boarding bridge
- 25th Edition Impact Award: ADB SAFEGATE for introducing new products and its ongoing contribution to the advancement of airport infrastructure
- Product Launch of the Year: Imenco for the FuelSCAN Analyzer, an aircraft fuel analysis device
According to event director Syreeta Tranfield, the entries reflected the industry’s tremendous spirit of innovation. ‘The multitude of technological developments clearly shows that the airport industry is continuously evolving and focusing on future issues.’
Artificial intelligence and data security in the airport environment
A central theme of the trade fair was the increasing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into operational airport processes. Particular focus was placed on the AI: Airside Intelligence platform presented by ADB SAFEGATE, which enables predictive maintenance and optimised apron control based on extensive data sets.³
According to CTO Thorben Burghardt, the technology helps to shorten maintenance cycles, use resources more efficiently and reduce downtime. AI-based systems could also help to detect malfunctions at an early stage and minimise security risks. However, this requires open data exchange between airlines, airports and ground service providers – a requirement that was repeatedly emphasised in several panels.⁴
Security: from drone defence to baggage screening
Security-related issues were also a focus of attention. Laila Odina, Chair of Riga Airport, pointed out in the ‘Innovation Theatre’ the growing number of unauthorised drone flights in the vicinity of airports. On sunny days, up to three drone sightings are recorded. Although most of these are inexperienced recreational pilots, every intrusion into airspace is a potential risk. It remains unclear who is ultimately responsible for surveillance and intervention – the airport, the regulatory authority or air traffic control.⁵
In the area of baggage screening, Smiths Detection presented its new SDX 10080 SCT scanner, a high-performance CT system with dual-energy technology and optional dual-view function. The scanner combines high throughput speed with precise object detection and improved cybersecurity – an essential factor in view of growing digital threats.⁶
Sustainability and new mobility
Numerous exhibitors used the trade fair to showcase their sustainable solutions. AviaSafe presented a newly certified rotating approach lighting beacon and also introduced a bespoke configuration tool that airports can use to customise their lighting systems.⁷
Advances were also presented in the area of ground handling: ITW GSE presented a mobile, modular PCA (Pre-Conditioned Air) unit and new DC charging stations for electric GSE vehicles. The i6 Group demonstrated its digital refuelling system, which is designed to increase safety, efficiency and sustainability through integrated sensor technology and real-time data.⁸
The Dutch manufacturer Special Mobility.eu attracted particular attention: its autonomous wheelchair ‘Mobby’ enables passengers with limited mobility to move independently through the terminal – an innovative contribution to accessibility.⁹
International perspectives and industry exchange
In addition to European participants, delegations from over 30 countries, including Vietnam, Italy and Pakistan, were present. The presentation by Huyen Dieu Do (Airports Corporation of Vietnam) was met with particular interest: she reported on the construction of the new Long Thanh Airport, which is scheduled to open in 2026 and will feature state-of-the-art digital systems.¹⁰
Representatives of Italian airports also discussed the integration of sustainable infrastructure and future air mobility concepts within the framework of the National Aviation Plan (NAP) in the ‘Airport Development’ panel.
inter airport Europe 2025 impressively demonstrated that the airport industry is on the verge of a technological revolution. Artificial intelligence, digitalisation, automation and sustainability are shaping the future of airports, as are new security concepts. The fields of application range from baggage screening and drone defence to predictive maintenance.
The event offered a unique platform for international trade visitors to learn about innovations, expand their networks and discuss joint solutions to the challenges of an increasingly connected aviation world.¹²
Footnotes
- Inter airport Europe 2025 – Munich Exhibition Centre, 7–9 October 2025
- Syreeta Tranfield, Event Director inter airport Europe, opening speech at the award ceremony
- ADB SAFEGATE presentation, ‘AI: Airside Intelligence’
- Panel discussion ‘Big Data – Collaboration Across Industry’, Innovation Theatre
- Presentation by Laila Odina, Chairperson RIX Riga Airport
- Smiths Detection product presentation SDX 10080 SCT
- AviaSafe, product presentation Rotating Beacon and Bespoke System
- i6 Group, presentation ‘Integrated Digital Refuelling’, Innovation Theatre
- Special Mobility.eu, product demo ‘Mobby Autonomous Wheelchair’
- Presentation by Huyen Dieu Do, Airports Corporation of Vietnam
- Panel ‘Airport Development’, ENAC, SEA Milan, Venezia Airports
- Summary by the organisers RX Global
