Airports

Mumbai, 04 November 2025: Navi Mumbai International Airport and Apollo Hospitals, Mumbai have signed a MoU to provide comprehensive, round-the-clock healthcare services for both airport employees and passengers. The collaboration strengthens NMIA’s emergency preparedness and medical response capabilities ahead of the start of commercial operations. Under the agreement, the hospital will help set up a 24×7 medical centre at Terminal 1 which will be equipped with emergency medical support and disaster management facilities. It will be staffed by a highly skilled team comprising three doctors, eight nursing staff and two drivers, ensuring continuous medical readiness. All medical staff will be Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)-certified, guaranteeing the highest standards of critical care at NMIA. NMIA will also house two fully equipped Intensive Care Unit (ICU) ambulances, stationed on-site and ready for immediate response in emergency situations. Additionally, 65 Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) will be strategically installed across the terminals to provide rapid assistance during cardiac emergencies. This partnership ensures rapid and efficient medical response while reinforcing NMIA’s commitment to the health, safety and welfare of both passengers and employees with world-class infrastructure. Apollo Hospitals, Mumbai is located four kilometres from NMIA.

Riyadh, 30th October 2025: Alliance Aviation has officially announced the opening of its new hangar and Fixed Base Operation (FBO) facility at AlUla International Airport, marking a milestone as the Kingdom’s first purpose-built general aviation hangar. The announcement was made during the 9th Future Investment Initiative (FII) in Riyadh, held under the theme “The Key To Prosperity: Unlocking New Frontiers Of Growth”. Developed in partnership with the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), the facility reflects both parties’ commitment to transforming AlUla into a leading cultural and aviation hub under Vision 2030 and Masterplan 2. “This launch is a milestone for Alliance and for Saudi Arabia’s private aviation future,” said Brendan McQuaid, Founder of Alliance Aviation. “We are proud to partner with the Royal Commission for AlUla in creating a facility that reflects the region’s heritage, hospitality, and the Kingdom’s vision for world-class infrastructure. AlUla is not just a destination, it’s becoming an aviation hub that bridges culture, commerce, and connectivity.” A New Milestone for Business Aviation in the Kingdom The new hangar spans 2,850 square meters and can accommodate up to two Gulfstream G650s and one Challenger 650, or two large-cabin aircraft and two light jets, offering secure, climate-controlled hangarage and dedicated crew facilities. The facility offers private and business jets ground handling, VIP lounge access, and seamless transfers for passengers as well as direct aircraft access for crews. Onsite amenities include a crew rest and operations area, ground handling and line maintenance support, high-speed connectivity, and 24/7 security and access control. Supporting AlUla’s Vision for Sustainable Growth Alliance Aviation will manage and operate the facility, providing ground handling, hangarage, and aircraft management services to private and business aircraft operators. This partnership supports the Kingdom’s goal of positioning AlUla as a model for sustainable tourism, investment, and innovation, aiming to attract two million annual visitors and contribute SAR 150 billion to Saudi Arabia’s GDP by 2035. The new facility complements other major upgrades at AlUla International Airport, including expanded taxiways and apron areas, a new executive terminal, and the introduction of virtual air traffic control systems making it one of the most advanced regional airports in the Kingdom. The AlUla launch forms part of Alliance’s broader strategy to expand its presence in high-growth regions for business aviation.

Liege, October 30, 2025: Liege Airport (LGG) and Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) have officially signed a sister airport relationship agreement during the Air Cargo South East Asia event in Singapore.This partnership marks a new chapter in transatlantic air cargo collaboration, reinforcing both airports’ commitment to innovation, growth, and operational excellence. The agreement was signed in the presence of senior executives from both airports and industry leaders attending the event. It establishes a formal framework for close cooperation with the goal of: • Increasing freighter traffic between both airports • Launching joint marketing and sales initiatives to attract new cargo operators and logistics partners to both platforms • Collaborating on operational and digital projects to streamline processes and enhance service quality “This agreement is a testament to our shared vision for the future of air cargo,” said Torsten Wefers, VP Sales & Marketing of Liege Airport. “Together with Chicago Rockford International Airport, we are building a robust transatlantic corridor that will benefit shippers, carriers, and the global supply chain.” “Liege and Rockford are both cargo-centric airports with complementary strengths,” added Zachary Oakley, Executive Director of RFD. “This partnership formalizes our collaboration and sets the stage for exciting new opportunities.” The signing ceremony took place earlier today at the Air Cargo South East Asia event, a premier gathering of global air cargo professionals. The sister airport agreement is expected to accelerate growth and deepen ties between the two logistics hubs.

Swedan, October 21, 2025: Swedavia and Luftfartsverket are the first in Europe to introduce a new air traffic approach concept. The new concept is commonly referred to as Established on RNP (EoR) and makes it possible for aircraft arriving at Stockholm Arlanda Airport to fly with curved approaches to a greater extent than before. The concept is an important step towards increasing the capacity, efficiency and sustainability of air traffic. “For us, it is of course gratifying that Swedavia will be the first in Europe to apply the new concept for managing arrivals. Enabling more curved approaches is also the most effective way to support airlines in their transition work, in addition to facilitating increased use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF),” says Susanne Norman, Director of Operations at Swedavia. The new approach concept allows the airport to increase the landing rate per hour and reduces emissions, both for the aircraft flying the shorter, curved approach and for those flying the standard instrument landing approach. This is because fewer aircraft have to use the runway dedicated for arrivals, reducing the queue for that runway. To be able to fly curved approaches, airlines must have a special permit from their National Supervisory Authority. “The modernization of the airspace by Luftfartsverket shows how air traffic control can help reduce the environmental impact of aviation. The traffic flow into Stockholm Arlanda Airport becomes more efficient during peak hours, and arriving aircraft have shorter flight paths with reduced emissions, says Anna Granberg,” Director of Operations at Luftfartsverket. “We are very pleased with the initiative from Swedavia and the Swedish Air Traffic Control Provider (LFV) to implement new procedures that will increase the number of curved approaches (RNP AR – Required Navigation Performance, Authorization Required) at Arlanda. We would like to commend them for this effort and for the excellent cooperation we have had throughout the project. Shorter approaches result in lower fuel burn and reduced emissions. Our goal is to reduce emissions by 30 percent by 2030, and more efficient flight operations like this are among our top priorities — alongside increased use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and continuous fleet renewal, says Charlotte Holmbergh,” Country Director Corporate Affairs at Norwegian. “SAS welcomes all initiatives that help reduce fuel consumption, noise, and emissions. The introduction of the new approach concept is a step in the right direction towards a more efficient and more sustainable airspace around Arlanda,” says Alexandra Lindgren Kaoukji, Head of External Communication & PR at SAS. Facts The technique for curved approaches requires special equipment in the aircraft, specially trained pilots and special permission from their National Supervisory Authority. In addition to reducing the environmental impact, the introduction of the new approach concept also provides an incentive for airlines to invest in technique for curved approaches which, in the long run, makes it possible to avoid flying over noise-sensitive areas.

Navi Mumbai, 08 October 2025: After a long wait, Mumbai gets its second airport at Navi Mumbai region which was inaugurated by the PM Narendra Modi on 8th October 2025. Navi Mumbai International Airport is projected as one of India’s most ambitious infrastructure projects and a defining milestone in the nation’s aviation journey. Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister said that Mumbai’s long wait was over as the city had now received its second international airport. He added that the Navi Mumbai International Airport would play a major role in establishing the region as Asia’s biggest connectivity hub. “The Navi Mumbai International Airport is a project that exemplifies the vision of a developed India,” said the Prime Minister after inaugurating the airport. “It is built on the land of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and its design, resembling a lotus flower, makes it a living symbol of culture and prosperity. This new airport will connect Maharashtra’s farmers directly with the international supply chain, including supermarkets in Europe and the Middle East. This means that the farmers’ freshest produce — fruits, flowers, vegetables and the products of our fisherfolk — will be able to reach the global market rapidly. For the small and micro-scale industries in the area, this infrastructure will reduce logistical costs. It is set to attract increased investment, fostering the creation of new industries and ventures. I extend my heartiest congratulations to all the people of Maharashtra and Mumbai on the establishment of this airport.” Ahead of his speech, the Prime Minister toured the airport and reviewed its world-class facilities, accompanied by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Union Minister for Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, Deputy Chief Ministers of Maharashtra Ajit Pawar and Shri Eknath Shinde, Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol and Adani Airports Director Jeet Adani. The Prime Minister viewed the airport master plan and was also shown the various tech aspects of the terminal. NMIA has been developed as a landmark public-private partnership (PPP) between Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL), a subsidiary of Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL), and the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO). The project represents a major stride in India’s infrastructure-building vision, reflecting the Government’s agenda of Viksit Bharat 2047. “In an era where India ascends among the world’s largest economies, we have built more than an airport – we have architected Bharat as a gateway and as one of the world’s most indispensable crossroads,” said Shri Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group. “This is infrastructure that does not just serve today’s demand, it creates tomorrow’s exponential possibilities. For generations to come, every flight through these terminals will carry not just passengers, but the pulse of a defining superpower and the dreams, ambitions and achievements of a nation reclaiming its place at the centre of global progress.”   Envisioned as part of a dual-airport system for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), NMIA will complement Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA). With an initial capacity of 20 million passengers per annum (MPPA), the airport will eventually expand to manage 90 MPPA, making it one of the largest passenger-handling airports in India. “NMIA is a landmark in India’s aviation journey, uniting cutting-edge technology, sustainability and a passenger-first experience,” said Shri Jeet Adani, Director, Adani Airport Holdings Ltd. “By complementing CSMIA, it reinforces Mumbai’s role as a global aviation hub and sets a blueprint for future-ready airports nationwide.” Designed as a multimodal hub, NMIA will be seamlessly connected to the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, Navi Mumbai and Mumbai Metro, suburban rail networks and planned waterways. This integration will reduce travel times, enhance regional connectivity and strengthen cargo and passenger movement across the vast hinterland of western India. Inspired by the Lotus, India’s national flower, NMIA’s architecture blends cultural heritage with world-class design and sustainability features, creating an airport that is both rooted in Indian identity and aligned with future aspirations. In its first two phases, NMIA will operate with a single runway and terminal capable of handling 20 MPPA. Over time, the airport will scale to four runways and multiple terminals, with a dedicated cargo terminal and state-of-the-art facilities for perishables and express cargo, boosting India’s trade and logistics ecosystem. The inauguration of NMIA underscores India’s determination to create future-ready, world-class infrastructure that supports economic growth, global competitiveness, and the aspirations of citizens. As the nation advances toward Viksit Bharat 2047, NMIA stands as a symbol of modern engineering, collaborative development, and India’s rising stature in the global aviation landscape.

Singapore, October 6, 2025: Star Alliance’s Los Angeles Lounge has once again been named North America’s Leading Airport Lounge at the World Travel Awards 2025, marking the sixth consecutive year it has received this top honour. The announcement was made at the Caribbean & The Americas Gala Ceremony, held this year on the picturesque island of Saint Lucia on October 4, 2025. Commenting on the achievement, Star Alliance CEO Theo Panagiotoulias said,“Our commitment at Star Alliance is to create seamless and connected journeys for travellers, and our lounges play an important role in this. This recognition is especially meaningful, reflecting the trust of travellers and industry experts and the continued excellence of the LAX lounge. We’re proud to see it honoured as a leader year after year.” Panagiotoulias added his appreciation: “This achievement is thanks to the dedicated team whose hard work keeps the LAX lounge running smoothly every day, and to our member airlines whose collaboration has been instrumental to its success.” The Star Alliance lounge at Los Angeles International Airport has long been regarded as one of the world’s premier airport lounges, consistently collecting accolades from across the industry. With a spacious 18,000 square foot layout, the LAX lounge is known for its outdoor terrace featuring firepits, a tranquil water wall, and sweeping views of the Hollywood Hills. From relaxed daytime charm to a vibrant evening setting, it offers travellers a unique space to dine, work or simply unwind before their flight.

Munich, 1st October 2025: Global air traffic is set to surge from 4.5 billion today to 22.3 billion passengers annually by 2053, according to ACI World. Meeting this growth won’t just require bigger terminals—it will demand smarter, multimodal, seamless airports built around efficiency, personalisation, and sustainability. “The airport of tomorrow should bring back the relaxed ease of pre-9/11 travel, while using biometrics and automation to make processes almost invisible,” says Max Groot of Momberger Airport Information. “Passengers can expect stress-free terminals, seamless movement and sustainability built into every stage of the journey.” Biometric technology is already reshaping the passenger journey. Earlier this year Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi was hailed as the first international airport to introduce biometric identification at nine touchpoints—from check-in to boarding. This eliminates the need for paper documents and slashes wait times. Baggage handling is also evolving. GPS-tracked luggage, off-site drop points, and automated systems will steadily become the norm reducing errors and anxiety for passengers. As SITA CEO David Lavorel notes, “Baggage must move with the same speed and reliability as passengers themselves.” Automation is redefining the terminal experience. From robotic assistants like Munich Airport’s JEEVES snackbot, which was trialled last year, to AI-powered kiosks and virtual concierges, the future terminal will be intelligent and intuitive. Augmented Reality (AR) tools will offer real-time navigation and translation via wearables or smartphones. Sustainability will also define the airport of tomorrow. Future terminals will double as “enerports”, generating their own solar power and hydrogen fuelling services. Meanwhile, rainwater harvesting, electric ground vehicles, biophilic design and even vertical gardens, such as those at Kempegowda International Airport in Bangalore, will create greener, more calming environments. Comfort will rival that of luxury hotels. Passengers can expect the wider roll out of personalised services, quiet zones, spa areas, virtual reality (VR) games rooms and flexible seating arrangements. AI systems will manage disruptions in real-time, rebooking flights or redirecting passengers automatically. Looking ahead, airports will evolve into multimodal mobility hubs—integrating high-speed rail, autonomous vehicles, and vertiports for electric air taxis. These “aerotropoli” will become destinations in their own right, blending travel, commerce, leisure and innovation. Poland’s multimodal Centralny Port Komunikacyjny (CPK), due to open in 2032, exemplifies this future. Passengers will check in online, upload documents, and use biometrics throughout their journey—no passports, no boarding passes, just a facial scan. “CPK is being designed from the outset to evolve naturally into the airport of the future – an environment where convenience, security and efficiency are seamlessly combined,” concludes Dariusz Kuś – CPK’s Board Member for Airport Investments. The airport of the future won’t just move people—it will move with them. Seamless, sustainable, and smart, the transformation has already begun. Celebrating 25 years of driving airport innovation and global partnerships, this year’s inter airport Europe (7-9 October in Munich) provides the ideal platform to showcase and shape the next era of aviation. (Top photo credit: peepo via Getty Images)