EMEA Airport Leaders Panel

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been felt across the entire aviation ecosystem and while the airlines are receiving the most attention in the media, one cannot forget the impact on the airports and their supporting businesses. 

Each month, CAPA Live’s airport discussion will move between regions as we delve into the issues facing airports around the world.

• What impact has the COVID-19 pandemic had on airports?
• What have airports learned so far that would better prepare them for another pandemic?
• Much is spoken and written about ‘the new normal’ for airports. What is it?
• Pre-departure and arrival health screening may become a ‘permanent’ feature according to some industry observers. How can airports best make arrangements to handle that requirement in the long run? Can airports reasonably be expected to become vaccination centres as well?
• It is said that there will be more competition between airports now. That the most ‘efficient’ will win. Does that mean ‘the cheapest’?
• Which type of airport has the better prospects now? The one geared up to hub operations, or to point-to-point ones?
• What is the future for airport lounges?
• How can airports creatively fill space left vacant by retired retail and F&B concessions?

Moderator: Watson Farley & Williams, Partner, Alan Polivnick

Speakers:

• iGA Istanbul Airport, CEO, Kadri Samsunlu
• Manchester Airports Group, CDO, Ken O’Toole