Canberra Airport to Host CAPA Airline Leader Summit Australia Pacific 2027
Premier Event Shaping the Future of Aviation in the Region at Canberra Airport June 2027
CAPA - Centre for Aviation, part of Aviation Week by Informa , is pleased to announce the Canberra Airport will host the 2027 edition of the CAPA Airline Leader Summit Australia Pacific, a premier two-day aviation event that will bring together senior airline executives, airport leaders, policymakers and industry stakeholders to discuss the future of air transport across the Australia-Pacific region.
The summit will provide a platform for high-level analysis on the key issues shaping the aviation industry, including network development, sustainability, evolving passenger demand and opportunities across emerging regional and long-haul markets.
- CAPA will hold the Airline Leader Summit Australia Pacific 2027 at Canberra Airport in June 2027 as a two-day regional flagship event.
- The summit will convene senior airline, airport and government leaders to address network development, sustainability, demand trends and market opportunities.
- Canberra’s growing visitor economy underpins the choice of host city, with 4.5 million ACT visitors in the year ending Sep 2025 and continued growth across segments.
- Canberra Airport handled more than 2.7 million passengers in 2025 and is positioned for growth as new and returning services lift connectivity.
- International links are strengthening with Virgin Australia’s new 3x-weekly Bali service and Qatar Airways resuming 4x-weekly Doha flights from September.
- Domestic connectivity is expanding with QantasLink restarting 4x-weekly Hobart flights from October and Link Airways launching 4x-weekly Launceston services.
Claudia Kunz, Senior Director of Events at CAPA, said:
"We are delighted that CAPA has chosen Canberra to host the Airline Leader Summit Australia Pacific 2027. This is an exceptional opportunity to bring together the region's aviation leaders in the heart of Australia's capital. As a hub of innovation, policy and beauty, Canberra provides the perfect setting for meaningful discussions that will shape the future of aviation in the Australia Pacific region."
As Australia's capital city, Canberra offers a unique backdrop for these discussions. Renowned for its world-class cultural institutions, breathtaking nature and commitment to sustainability, the city continues to strengthen its position as an important gateway for business, leisure and VFR travel.
The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) welcomed more than 4.5 million visitors in the year ending September 2025, representing year-on-year growth of 4%. Visitation continues to climb, with Domestic Day and International visitors increasing by 9% and 5% respectively, highlighting Canberra's growing appeal as both a tourism and business destination.
At the heart of this growth is Canberra Airport, which plays a critical role in connecting the ACT to domestic and international markets. Recognised as Australia's highest-rated airport for overall customer satisfaction, Canberra Airport handled more than 2.7 million passengers in 2025, with volumes expected to rise as new and returning air services enhance connectivity.
The airport's international network has expanded significantly in recent years. Virgin Australia recently launched a 3X-weekly service to Bali, marking the airline's first international operation from the nation's capital. Meanwhile, Qatar Airways is set to resume its 4X-weekly service to Doha from September, reconnecting Canberra to a global network of more than 170 destinations.
Domestic connectivity is also growing. QantasLink plans to resume 4X-weekly services to Hobart from October, while Link Airways has launched a 4X-weekly service to Launceston, providing greater access to key Australian markets.
The decision to host the CAPA Airline Leader Summit Australia Pacific 2027 in Canberra reflects the city's growing importance within the aviation landscape and its role as a centre for policy, innovation and connectivity. Bringing together C-suite executives, government representatives and industry stakeholders, the event will feature expert-led discussions, market insights and executive networking opportunities designed to address the opportunities and challenges shaping aviation across the region.
"Being chosen to host one of the aviation industry's most influential gatherings is a strong vote of confidence in Canberra's connectivity, infrastructure and growing profile as a destination for major international business events." - ACT Chief Minister, Andrew Barr MLA
Stephen Byron, CEO of Canberra Airport said:
"We are delighted that Canberra has been selected to host CAPA 2027, bringing some of the aviation industry's most influential leaders and decision-makers to the Nation's Capital. Hosting CAPA 2027 is a significant opportunity for Canberra Airport to bring the global aviation industry to the Nation's Capital. It will allow us to showcase the strength of the Canberra market, deepen relationships with airline partners, and support future opportunities to grow capacity, connectivity and aviation services for our region."
The CAPA Airline Leader Summit Australia Pacific 2027 will take place in June 2027 in Canberra, Australia.
- ENDS -
About CAPA - Centre for Aviation
CAPA - Centre for Aviation (CAPA), part of Aviation Week by Informa, is the leading provider of independent aviation market intelligence, analysis and data services covering worldwide developments. Established in 1990, CAPA's platforms help the aviation sector and supplier businesses stay informed, remain connected to industry leaders and fuel inspiration to drive change. CAPA's global C-level and corporate travel in-person and virtual Summits and Masterclasses attract executive level speakers, attendees and leading stakeholders of the global commercial aviation industry. Understanding aviation markets is our great strength and passion, along with providing CAPA members, clients and partners with an unparalleled level of expertise and insight. For more information and details on membership and events, please visit centreforaviation.com.
About Aviation Week by Informa
Aviation Week by Informa, the largest multimedia information and services provider for the global aviation, aerospace, and defence industries, serving 1.7 million professionals around the world, is part of Informa Markets, a division of Informa PLC. Aviation Week Network's portfolio of air transport solutions includes the leading brands of Air Transport World (ATW), Airport Strategy & Marketing (ASM), Aviation Daily, CAPA - Centre for Aviation, Routes and Aviation Week's intelligence and fleet data services. The air transport portfolio delivers face-to-face connections, essential news, analysis, business intelligence and data across multiple platforms while producing innovative and impactful marketing programs. For more information visit aviationweek.com.
About Informa Markets:
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