inter airport Southeast Asia 2025 Wraps with Record Numbers, Spotlighting Asia’s Aviation Momentum

SINGAPORE, April 20, 2025 – A wave of innovation, optimism, and renewed collaboration swept through the 8th edition of inter airport Southeast Asia (IASEA), as the region’s leading airport exhibition and conference closed on a high note. Held from 25–27 March at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre, the show welcomed an unprecedented 3,621 trade professionals from 53 countries and regions, alongside 134 exhibiting companies, underscoring Asia’s accelerating pace in airport modernisation and sustainable aviation growth.

This year’s edition not only marked a 15.6% increase in attendance compared to its previous outing, but also expanded its show floor by 43%, spanning an impressive 6,259 square metres. The surge reflects not just industry appetite, but also the region’s pressing need to reimagine airport operations, especially with Asia poised to account for over 40% of global aircraft orders as of 2024.

Vietnam’s Aviation Ambitions Take Centre Stage

A key highlight of IASEA 2025 was the strong presence from Vietnam’s aviation sector. A high-level delegation led by the Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) included leaders from Long Thanh International Airport—one of the world’s most ambitious greenfield airport developments—as well as representatives from key airports like Noi Bai, Danang, Cat Bi, Phu Quoc, and Cam Ranh.

Nguyen Cao Cuong, Deputy General Director at ACV, underscored the country’s ambitions in his opening address:
“Vietnam, as one of the fastest-growing aviation markets in the world, is actively developing key airport infrastructure projects to meet the increasing demand for air transport. This event is not only an opportunity to explore the latest advancements in aviation technology but also serves as a platform for collaboration and exchange.”

Innovation in Focus: From Biometrics to Cybersecurity

Exhibitors from across the globe showcased transformative technologies aimed at reshaping the passenger journey and operational efficiency. Making its debut at IASEA, Thales introduced its “Fly-to-Gate” biometric solution—a contactless journey from check-in to boarding. Their presence was part of a larger move to engage with regional aviation stakeholders and to address growing priorities such as data security, system integration, and AI-led decision-making.

“Airport operations today are driven by data as much as hardware,” said a Thales spokesperson. “However, as reliance on digital infrastructure grows, the need for robust cybersecurity and human-centric design becomes non-negotiable.”

Security technology took another leap forward with Smiths Detection, which unveiled the SDX 10060 XDi, a next-generation X-ray scanner that distinguishes materials at a molecular level. “IASEA has always been a pivotal meeting ground,” said Desmond Lian, Senior Solutions Consultant for Smiths Detection. “It was a pleasure to reconnect with partners like Narita International Airport and explore new collaborations that could lead to deeper AI integration across airport security frameworks.”

Greener Ground Handling on the Agenda

With sustainability high on the aviation agenda, Mallaghan, one of the fastest-growing GSE (Ground Support Equipment) manufacturers globally, returned to showcase solutions geared towards greener ground handling.

Niall Mallaghan, Director, shared, “We’re seeing a significant shift away from traditional diesel-powered equipment. Our work is focused on enabling ground handlers like dnata and SATS to meet carbon reduction targets through electric solutions, without compromising efficiency.”

Conversations That Mattered: Resilience, AI and Real-Time Data

The conference programme ran parallel to the bustling exhibition floor, under the theme: “Airport Operations for Tomorrow.”

David Jea, General Manager of Safety, Security & Business Continuity at Airport Authority Hong Kong, participated in a well-attended panel on future-proofing airport security. “The greatest takeaway is the renewed appreciation for technology’s role in resilient operations. AI, when integrated thoughtfully, allows airports to remain agile while still maintaining high safety standards,” he noted.

One standout session, “Using Data Analytics to Optimise Airport Operations,” unpacked the operational potential of real-time data. The consensus? Airports are data-rich but often insight-poor. The challenge ahead lies in developing platforms where data from various sources—passenger flow, aircraft movement, terminal usage—can be processed centrally to improve decisions in real-time, while maintaining airtight cybersecurity protocols.

Meanwhile, the session “Boosting Operational Resilience: Preparing for the Unexpected” took a deep dive into how ground handlers can plan for disruptions—from equipment breakdowns to weather events. Experts stressed the need for closer cooperation between handlers and airport teams, harnessing big data to react swiftly and maintain passenger trust.

Looking Ahead to 2027

Following its landmark 2025 edition, inter airport Southeast Asia will return for its 9th edition from 23–25 March 2027. With Asia’s aviation sector on a strong upward trajectory, the show promises to remain a cornerstone for dialogue, discovery, and development in the years to come.

As airports across the region evolve from transport hubs into intelligent ecosystems, IASEA 2025 proved once again that innovation, when matched with collaboration, will define the future of air travel.