Airports in focus

Airport success is no longer defined by passenger growth alone. In this State of the Industry report, Geopolitics, regulation, infrastructure constraints, and changing passenger expectations mean success increasingly depends on the ability to deliver predictable journeys, stable revenues, and resilient operations.

As a result, airports are reshaping how they plan, invest, and operate.

Drawing on an industry survey from airport executives from airports around the world, in-depth interviews, and NACO’s inhouse expertise, our State of the Industry report: Airports in focus – A strategic outlook for the aviation industry 2026 looks at the current operating environment, the challenges, opportunities, and evolution within the airport sector. 

The defining questions shaping the future of airports

• Are airports ready for shifting passenger expectations?
• Where are the inefficiencies impacting airport operations and performance?
• How can airports manage ageing assets? 
• Which strategies help airports stay financially resilient?
• What can we learn from airports that are successfully adapting to change?

Expert analysis for the airport sector

Passenger numbers have returned to pre-pandemic levels, but airports continue to face rising costs, regulatory pressure, and operational demands. To counter this, airports are increasingly embracing the value of improved orchestration across the airport ecosystem, innovative commercial development, and diversified financial strategies. 

With survey responses from airports in varied geographical locations, levels of maturity and passenger throughput, Airports – A strategic outlook for the aviation industry, is both a snapshot of airport industry trends in 2026 and a guide to the future of the sector. Essential reading for anyone building an airport strategy or managing airport resilience, the report provides actionable insights into opportunities for airport operations and performance.