Airport World 2026, Issue 01
Editor Joe Bates highlights optimism from the PTE World event in London, where airports shared strong Q1 2026 updates amid global challenges. A Middle East conflict starting February 28 has severely impacted aviation, with Cirium reporting over 46,000 of 85,500 scheduled flights canceled between February 28 and March 11. Airports including Dubai International (DXB), Bahrain (BAH), Hamad (DOH), Kuwait (KWI), Nakhchivan (NAJ), and Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International (AUH) faced drone attacks. Operations remain suspended or affected across Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Kuwait, Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Syria. Rising fuel prices prompted airlines worldwide to cut schedules and raise fares.
This issue profiles Antalya Airport, which doubled Terminal 2 size and achieved its highest-ever traffic in a landmark year. DXB, AUH, and DOH exemplify innovation in technology, customer service, and hospitality. A hospitality-themed section examines multisensory design, airport lounges, space-service-speed integration, 2025 ASQ Customer Experience Award winners, and Skytrax champions.
Additional coverage includes combatting organized retail crime, autonomous vehicle fleet growth, cargo security advances, FOD innovation, Ethiopia’s Bishoftu International Airport plans, baggage handling, parking garages, solar power, legal aid for construction, people matters, and business exchange. Download the full issue for details.