Delhi, October 15th 2026:
CAPA – Centre for Aviation, part of Aviation Week by Informa, announced that Bratislava, Slovakia, will host the CAPA Airline Leader Summit Airlines in Transition 2027, bringing senior airline executives and aviation decision-makers to the Slovak capital on 8-9 April.
One of the flagship events in CAPA’s global summit series, the event will bring together airline CEOs and C-suite executives, policymakers, industry suppliers and thought leaders to examine the fundamental changes reshaping the global air transport sector.
Taking place at a time of significant transformation across the industry, the two-day summit will explore how aviation leaders are responding to evolving business models, changing passenger expectations, technological innovation, sustainability pressures, geopolitical uncertainty and an increasingly complex operating environment.
Bratislava provides a timely setting for these discussions. Located at the heart of Central Europe, the Slovak capital combines strong regional accessibility with a rapidly expanding aviation market. Bratislava Airport handled a record 2.44 million passengers in 2025, representing 25% year-on-year growth, while significant airline investment has continued to expand the airport’s network and capacity.
The airport entered summer 2026 with the largest scheduled network in its history, offering 77 routes to 63 destinations across 29 countries—almost double the number of scheduled routes available the previous year. The expansion reflects growing airline confidence in the market, with both Ryanair and Wizz Air increasing their presence.
Claudia Kunz, Senior Director, Events, CAPA and GAD, said: “CAPA Airline Leader Summit Airlines in Transition is designed around the issues that are keeping aviation leaders awake at night and the strategic decisions that will define the next generation of the airline industry.”
Kunz added: “The growth taking place across the Slovak aviation market, together with the city’s position at the heart of Europe, makes it an extremely relevant location to bring together airline and industry leaders from across the world. We look forward to welcoming the industry to Bratislava for two days of candid discussion, insight and collaboration as we examine how airlines can successfully navigate a period of continued change.”
Dusan Novota, CEO of Bratislava Airport, said: “Neither Bratislava nor our airport has ever hosted an aviation event of this scale and significance, bringing together key stakeholders and decision-makers from across the global aviation industry. We are therefore truly honoured to welcome the CAPA Airline Leader Summit to Bratislava in 2027.”
Novota added: “The timing could hardly be more relevant for us. Bratislava Airport is currently the fastest-growing medium-sized airport in Europe, recording triple-digit passenger growth. Hosting one of CAPA’s flagship global events at such an important stage in our development makes this opportunity even more significant for Bratislava, our airport and Slovakia as an aviation market.”
The programme will combine CAPA’s independent market analysis with high-level airline leader interviews, panel discussions and strategic debate, providing delegates with insight into the most important commercial and operational issues facing global aviation.
The 2026 edition of the event addressed themes including the evolution of airline business models, non-fare revenues, airline payments, partnerships and alliances, artificial intelligence and sustainability, bringing together senior leaders from across the global aviation sector.
