Airport Innovation, Intelligence, and Experience in the Headlines After PTE 2026

Last week, Yahav Ran, Synect’s CEO, and Montee Fiely, our Head of Strategic Engagement, joined more than 12,000 aviation professionals in London for Passenger Terminal Expo (PTE) 2026. With over 450 exhibitors and a packed agenda, the show was busy and energetic as airports, airlines, and technology partners came together to explore what’s next for our industry.

Montee Fiely, left, and Yahav Ran, right, explored the future of aviation at PTE 2026. Photo from FTE 2025.

This year, we’ve heard one theme echoed at every conference: airports are evolving quickly, and the pace of change is only accelerating. From automation and AI to terminal design and the importance of the passenger experience, the industry is focused on becoming more connected, more predictive, and more human-centered.

Smarter, More Connected Operations

One of the most visible trends throughout the show was the shift toward smarter, more integrated airport operations.

Exhibitors showcased a wide variety of solutions to proactively address common points of friction. Predictive analytics for baggage, AI-powered stand and gate management, and geospatial intelligence platforms all point to a future where airports anticipate challenges long before they impact operations.

Synect’s Evenflow solution uses LiDAR to track crowd density and help passengers select less crowded routes.

This growing emphasis on real-time data and system connectivity reflects a broader shift away from siloed operations. As systems become more connected, airports gain better visibility and more control, creating smoother experiences for both operators and passengers.

Automation and AI Driving Efficiency

ReadySeeGo Focus supports passengers through divestment, with optional audio cues reminding them of important tips as they place their belongings in the bins.

Automation and AI have been popular topics this conference season, and PTE turned the focus toward operational efficiency.

From autonomous vehicles to automated baggage handling systems and next-generation screening technology, the industry is investing in solutions that minimize manual intervention and create more consistent, scalable operations.

As airports prepare for ongoing growth, consistency, scalability, and resilience are top priorities. Small time savings add up quickly, as Austin Gould, former President of Gould Strategic Solutions and former Acting Administrator for the TSA, said during FTE 2024:

“If effective communications can help shave off a second or two per passenger over three million passengers a day, you’ve really done something.”

Measuring and Managing Passenger Experiences

Passenger experience remains a top priority, but the way our industry approaches it is changing.

Rather than relying on post-journey surveys, airports are looking toward real-time passenger experience assessments. Retrospective feedback can miss key moments. Real-time data and feedback allow airports to respond as experiences unfold.

This approach is central to Synect’s work. Combining operational awareness with dynamic, contextual messaging helps airports guide passengers more effectively. Passenger traffic flows more smoothly, and experiences improve. When communication can adapt to the moment, it becomes a key experience driver and operational advantage.

Known, occupied waits feel shorter than unknown, empty waits. ABE uses ReadySeeGo, Passenger360, and smart content to engage passengers and make waits feel shorter.

Designing for Experience and Throughput

The growing focus on passenger experience is part of a larger shift toward designing airports around people, not just processes.

From new builds to expansions and renovations, airports are increasingly incorporating elements that promote local culture while supporting passenger comfort and well-being. The goal is to create environments that feel intuitive, engaging, and easy to navigate, while increasing operational efficiency.

Annie’s Airport Journey at MCO is an experience designed to engage and educate passengers as they approach the security checkpoint.

Passenger experience cannot be treated as a secondary consideration. It’s a core part of how airports enhance operations and define their brand for millions of travelers.

Looking Ahead After PTE

Countless incredible conversations at PTE 2026 reinforced what we’re seeing across the industry: airports are quickly moving toward a future that’s more connected, more intelligent, and proactively addressing passengers’ needs.

We loved joining our partners and peers to explore new tech and talk about the next generation of airport experiences. If we didn’t get the chance to connect in London, you can always contact our team.