IAAE News
October 2025
More than 100 aviation leaders from across North America, Europe, and the Middle East gathered in Warsaw for the 30th annual AAAE/IAAE North America/Central Europe Airport Issues Conference, underscoring three decades of collaboration on the industry’s most pressing challenges.
Hosted by Polish Airports (PPL S.A.) and Poznań Airport, the conference brought together airport executives, government officials, military representatives, regulators, and private sector leaders, with attendees representing organizations including ICAO, IATA, the U.S. Department of Commerce, the Federal Aviation Administration, and airports across multiple regions.
The conference opened with remarks from Dr. Maciej Lasek, Poland’s Secretary of State at the Ministry of Infrastructure and Government Plenipotentiary for the Central Communication Port, who highlighted Poland’s role in shaping next-generation airport infrastructure. Senior leaders from Polish Airports, Poznań Airport, the U.S. Embassy in Warsaw, and U.S. airport executives joined the opening session, alongside participation from U.S. military leadership, reflecting the growing intersection of civil aviation and defense.
IAAE and AAAE board members from the United States played a visible role throughout the program, led by then-IAAE Chair Kevin Bumen, A.A.E., C.A.E., of San Francisco International Airport, reinforcing the strong engagement of U.S. airport leadership in transatlantic dialogue.
Ahead of the conference, the IAAE Board of Directors met in Warsaw to discuss organizational priorities and the importance of international cooperation in a rapidly changing aviation landscape.
Across two days, sessions focused on infrastructure development, geopolitical disruption, and innovation. Discussions examined projects such as Poland’s Central Communication Port alongside broader modernization trends, while also addressing the impacts of the war in Ukraine. Ukrainian participation was a focal point, with Kyiv-Boryspil Airport leadership providing firsthand insight into operational disruptions and ongoing resilience efforts. Panels also highlighted the growing role of artificial intelligence, automation, sustainability strategies, financing models, and civil-military coordination in shaping the future of airports.
The conference also included a site visit to Warsaw Chopin Airport, giving participants a firsthand look at operational practices and infrastructure at Poland’s primary international gateway.
The conference featured dedicated exhibit and networking periods, offering attendees opportunities to engage with industry partners and explore emerging technologies supporting airport operations and development.
The milestone anniversary was recognized during the conference gala, where Heba Gouda, vice president of global operations at AAAE and IAAE, honored Zbigniew “Zbig” Salek, who hosted the inaugural Central Europe conference in Warsaw in 1995. His recognition highlighted the continuity of leadership and the enduring importance of collaboration between U.S. and European aviation stakeholders.
Now in its 30th year, the Airport Issues Conference continues to serve as a platform for cross-border exchange at a time of significant transformation for the global aviation sector.
