MWC Smart Airports Summit: The Digitally Connected Hub

As airports evolve into digitally connected, data-driven hubs, the telecom industry stands at a critical crossroads – no longer just an enabler, but a strategic partner in aviation’s transformation.

Smart Airports Summit: The Digitally Connected Hub is a focused, half-day summit that brings together leaders from telecom, aviation, and technology to explore how advanced connectivity – from private 5G and IoT to edge computing and application-aware networks – is reshaping airport infrastructure, operations, and customer experience.

Building on the success of the Smart Airports summit at MWC Barcelona 25, this year’s edition will unpack how telcos can unlock new revenue models, support critical airport applications and drive seamless digital journeys for passengers, airlines and operators alike. 

At MWC Barcelona 2026, this summit will help shape the blueprint for the connected airport of the future.

• The Vital Layer: Wireless Connectivity as Aviation's Strategic Foundation, Minneapolis Airport
• The Airport Spine: Building Interoperable Infrastructure
• The Digital Nervous System of the Airport: Harnessing Data, Platforms & AI for Seamless Operations
• Bringing Physical AI to Airports through Real-Time Motional Digital Twins, Rome Airport & Outsight
• Multi-Model Connectivity: The Airport as a Mobility Interchange 
• Connected Passenger Experience: Building digital trust through identity, Cybersecurity & Resilience
• Innovation in Motion: Accelerating Collaboration Across the Airport Ecosystem
• Closing Panel: What’s next for Smart Airports