Copenhagen Optimization, a world leader in airport operations optimisation, is publishing key findings from its 2026 Better Airport Summit, which saw airport representatives from across Europe, North America, Asia and Australia gather to discuss the evolving challenges and opportunities shaping the future of airport operations.
The sixth edition of the summit took place in Copenhagen earlier this summer and welcomed 32 airport participants from a diverse mix of large international hubs and smaller regional airports. Across the sessions, a clear theme emerged: airports have moved beyond simply collecting data and are now focused on how to utilise it more effectively to drive operational optimisation, improve decision-making and enhance the passenger experience.
Data utilisation and operational collaboration
While airports have focused on collecting and securing operational data, discussions at this year’s summit reflected a significant shift in priorities. Most airports now possess vast amounts of operational data and are increasingly looking at how to make that data actionable across their organisations.
Many participants highlighted the need to move away from collecting large volumes of metrics that provide limited operational value and instead focus on performance indicators that drive behaviour, support strategic decision-making and improve operational consistency over time. Airports are increasingly looking for ways to ensure that all stakeholders across the airport ecosystem are aligned around the same performance metrics, targets and operational objectives.
As airports become more operationally interconnected, effective data sharing across departments, partners and stakeholders was identified as critical to future success. Delegates discussed how siloed operational models are no longer viable in an increasingly complex airport environment, with many airports now adopting a more collaborative ecosystem approach to operations management.
Legacy systems and automation
A key priority identified by many airports was the replacement of legacy systems with more modern, integrated technologies capable of supporting greater automation and real-time operational visibility. Airports acknowledged that manual updates, fragmented workflows and operational workarounds are no longer sustainable in today’s technological landscape.
Participants discussed the growing importance of shared operational platforms and collaborative planning tools that enable stakeholders to work from the same operational picture and make faster, more informed decisions. There was also broad recognition that modernisation efforts must balance operational complexity with the need for agility and scalability.
AI and the future of airport operations
Discussions throughout the summit reflected a broader industry paradigm shift driven by advances in artificial intelligence and data-driven technologies. Airports demonstrated a growing openness towards sharing knowledge, operational insights and best practices, recognising that many airports globally are facing similar operational challenges despite differences in scale or geography.
While larger airports were generally seen as more mature in their use of data and operational technologies, smaller airports also showcased examples of how they are successfully testing and implementing innovative approaches at speed due to less organisational complexity.
Participants also acknowledged that operational realities differ significantly across regions, but there was broad consensus that airports globally are increasingly focused on adopting smarter, more collaborative ways of working to improve performance and resilience.
Knowledge sharing and partnership
A major focus of the summit was the value of knowledge sharing between airports and industry partners. Delegates repeatedly highlighted the importance of learning from peers, understanding how other airports are implementing operational technologies and sharing experiences around optimisation strategies and software usage.
Dan Flynn, MAG Programme Lead at Manchester Airports Group, said: “The Better Airport Summit was a valuable opportunity to share MAG’s experience and learn from other airports facing similar operational challenges. Through Better Stand & Gate, we are using data, modern technology and stronger collaboration to give our teams real-time information, greater control and faster decision-making across Manchester, London Stansted and East Midlands airports. Our collaborative approach with Copenhagen Optimization has been central to this, combining their data-led technology expertise with MAG’s operational insight and project delivery to supply practical, sustainable improvements for our colleagues and passengers.”
Patrick Thom, Head of Terminal Operations at Hannover Airport, said: “Engaging with fellow airport operators from around the world is essential to developing smarter solutions for the challenges our industry faces. By sharing perspectives, ideas and practical experience, every participant benefits from the collective expertise of airports operating in very different environments. The Better Airport Summit provides an excellent platform for meaningful exchange, fresh inspiration and new momentum – and participating is always an extremely valuable experience.”
Kasper Hounsgaard, President and co-founder of Copenhagen Optimization, said: “It was a privilege to once again bring together airport representatives from across the world for our Better Airport Summit. One of the clearest takeaways from this year’s discussions was the significant shift in how airports view data and collaboration. The conversation is no longer about simply collecting data — airports are now focused on how to turn that data into actionable insights that improve operations, drive better decisions and enhance the passenger experience.
“There is also a growing understanding across the industry that airports cannot operate in silos. The future of airport operations depends on collaboration across departments, partners and the wider industry ecosystem. By creating a platform for our partners to share knowledge, experiences and challenges, we are able to learn together and continue developing technologies and services that create tangible operational improvements for airports globally.”
