Last week, over 100 airport managers, operators, service providers, industry representatives, researchers and institutions from across Europe convened at Aeroporti di Roma (ADR)’s Innovation Hub, located within Rome Fiumicino Airport, for the “Space for SMART Airports” Workshop. Jointly organised by ESA Business Applications and Space Solutions (BASS), ADR, Eurocontrol and the Italian Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC), the workshop created a forum for key players to discuss shared needs and challenges, and to investigate how space-enabled solutions might address them.
The challenges
With European airports surpassing 2 billion passengers in 2025 -a figure expected to rise -the aviation industry now faces an increasingly complex operational environment. Airports must boost efficiency and sustainability, improve the passenger journey, and manage costs, all while upholding stringent safety standards and safeguarding critical infrastructure.
Throughout the workshop, representatives from airports and institutions exchanged views on a variety of challenges and needs affecting airports of all sizes, including the different perspectives of small/regional and major hubs. It became clear that innovative operational solutions, developed within robust regulatory frameworks, are crucial for meeting evolving airport needs. The discussions underscored the importance of integrating data from multiple technologies, with space-based data identified as a key enabler for achieving sustainability, safety and resilience objectives.
The role of space
Rita Rinaldo, who leads the Applications, Projects and Studies Division at ESA, noted that the aviation sector is now poised for a step change.
“Yes, space technology is already well-established in the sector, but now is the moment to do much more. Satellite navigation, satellite communications and Earth observation data have a huge role to play in delivering the next generation of innovative solutions,” she stated.
Her message was unequivocal: space technology has moved from a supporting role to a strategic driver, shaping airport operations of the future. She also introduced the ESA ACCESS/BASS initiative, which is already supporting the development of innovative and commercially sustainable airport solutions powered by space technology. A number of successful space-based applications were showcased, including a cloud based system addressing the growing risk of illegal drone activity from Denmark, a cybersecurity testbed enhancing aviation resilience from Italy, a safety system improving airside mowing operations from Norway and autonomous ground-vehicle services from the UK.
The workshop also featured presentations on the ENAC approach to support innovation at airports, including the Sandbox tool and technology qualification, ADR’s innovation programme, and the Eurocontrol Air Transport Innovation Network (EATIN). As well as the BASS initiatives, a number of flagship projects emerging from the ADR and EATIN programmes were also highlighted, demonstrating tangible outcomes and future potential.
Throughout the day, collaboration was a central theme for identifying shared requirements and creating user-driven solutions, and attendees were encouraged to make the most of the networking. While there were many opportunities throughout the event, the main focus was the afternoon’s interactive working sessions. Here, stakeholders collaborated to consider space-enabled solutions in four strategic domains: optimised monitoring of airport assets and their surroundings; enhanced airside operations; advanced fleet management; and integrated logistics and mobility. These sessions sparked insightful discussions, enabling participants to tackle challenges collaboratively, exchange ideas and explore the potential of space technology in aviation.
The workshop concluded with a shared enthusiasm and a clear direction: Europe’s airports are ready to harness the full potential of space-enabled innovation. With promising ideas emerging around automation, autonomy and enhanced safety, the event has laid down strong foundations for ongoing collaboration and the evolution of future airport operations.
In his closing remarks, Enrico Spinelli, Applications Engineer within BASS, emphasised the importance of collaboration between airport stakeholders and the space ecosystem.
“Today we heard about needs, challenges, possible applications, ideas from airports, industry and institutions under the regulatory framework. Cooperation between airport stakeholders and the space ecosystem is the key ingredient to develop space-based solutions for airports with a widespread use. Today’s in-person workshop has been an important first step. Let’s keep looking forward - and thinking forward - together towards the airports of tomorrow.”