What is AIR?
Responsible growth for the future of UK aviation
AIR (Aviation Infrastructure Resilience) is a UK conference and business platform dedicated to the future of airport infrastructure, aviation resilience and responsible growth. Bringing together leaders from across the aviation sector, AIR provides a forum for airport operators, investors, policymakers, developers, consultants and technology providers to explore the challenges and opportunities shaping the next generation of aviation infrastructure.
Held annually at ExCeL London and organised by Meetings of Minds, AIR combines expert insight, strategic discussion and high-value networking to support the long-term development of the UK's aviation ecosystem.
Why AIR was created
The UK aviation sector is entering one of the most significant periods of infrastructure investment in its history. UK airports handled a record 302 million passenger journeys in 2025, and long-term government forecasts indicate demand could reach 435 million passengers by 2050. Meeting that growth will require major investment in airport capacity, modernised terminals, resilient infrastructure and more sustainable operations.
At the same time, growth must be balanced with responsibility. The aviation industry faces increasing expectations to decouple passenger growth from carbon emissions, improve operational resilience, enhance the passenger experience and deliver infrastructure that supports long-term economic and environmental sustainability.
AIR was created to provide a dedicated forum where these challenges and opportunities can be explored by the organisations responsible for planning, funding, designing, delivering and operating the UK's aviation infrastructure. By bringing together decision-makers from across the sector, AIR encourages collaboration, knowledge sharing and innovation to help shape the future of UK aviation.
Who attends AIR?
AIR brings together senior decision-makers from across the aviation ecosystem, including:
Airport operators
Infrastructure investors
Government and policymakers
Engineering and construction companies
Architects and masterplanners
Technology providers
Consultants
Environmental and sustainability specialists
Airlines and aviation partners
The event encourages collaboration between organisations that rarely have the opportunity to meet within a single dedicated forum.
What topics does AIR cover?
The conference explores the issues shaping the future of UK aviation infrastructure, including:
Airport expansion and capacity
Terminal design and passenger experience
Infrastructure investment and funding
Decarbonisation and sustainable aviation
Airport resilience and operational performance
Digital technology and innovation
Security and passenger processing
Surface access and connectivity
Planning, policy and regulation
Future airport operations
Who organises AIR?
AIR is organised by Meetings of Minds, an events company specialising in conferences that bring together leaders from infrastructure, transport and energy.
The team also delivers established industry events including Interchange UK, focused on major transport infrastructure, and GRID, dedicated to the future of the UK's energy networks. AIR extends this portfolio by creating a dedicated platform for aviation infrastructure professionals.
Where does AIR take place?
AIR will be held at ExCeL London, one of the UK's leading exhibition and conference venues.
Its location provides a central meeting place for delegates from across the UK and internationally, supporting two days of keynote presentations, panel discussions, exhibitions and networking.
Explore the conference programme, meet our partners and supporters, or plan your visit to AIR.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does AIR stand for?
AIR stands for Aviation Infrastructure Resilience.
Who should attend AIR?
AIR is designed for professionals involved in the planning, delivery, operation and future development of airport infrastructure, including airports, government, investors, consultants, contractors and technology providers.
Is AIR only for UK organisations?
Although the conference focuses on UK aviation infrastructure, it welcomes international organisations and experts whose experience contributes to the future of aviation.
What makes AIR different?
AIR focuses specifically on the intersection of airport infrastructure, resilience and responsible growth, bringing together leaders from across the aviation ecosystem to address the long-term challenges and opportunities facing the sector.
