GAD World in Lisbon: Insightful Views and Frank Discussions

Kevin Rozario

London

December 17, 2025

mod Lisbon tram Paulo Evangelista Unsplash

The iconic 28 tram in the medieval streets of the Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood.

© Paulo Evangelista / Unsplash

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The premier event in the GAD (Global Airport Development) series of conferences, GAD World, took place in Lisbon, Portugal, last week, and has been lauded for both its content and high-level participation.

At a time of continuing geopolitical volatility, which EY has summarized for 2026, GAD World brought together more than 230 top-tier companies and organizations to discuss the realities of airport investment and development against this backdrop. They ranged from public and private airport operators and financiers to expert consultants and government officials.

The event attracted attendees that included Spain’s Aena International, Global Infrastructure Partners, Incheon International Airport Corporation Jeddah Airports Company, Macquarie, the UK Department of Business and Trade, and Modalis Infrastructure Partners, the owner of airportIR.

Across a packed two-day conference program, there were more than 25 sessions, starting with a state-of-the-industry update from ACI Europe’s Director General, Olivier Jankovec. It then moved on to various panel discussions and spotlights on key topics such as:

  • Capital allocation in a shifting landscape
  • Leveraging AI and digitalization to enhance airport investment metrics
  • The CFO playbook in uncertain times
  • Navigating global geopolitical risk in aviation
  • How contracts can adapt to climate, conflict, and crisis.

The sessions were well received. Ilias Maragakis, Associate Partner at Lufthansa Consulting—who moderated the Think Tank session: Navigating uncertainty – Strategic leadership amidst volatile geopolitics—said: “It was a very insightful discussion panel to kick-start the GAD conference.” The session focused on long-term investment in a time of short-term volatility; evaluating opportunity and risk in a currently complex landscape; and examining power structures and stakeholder expectations.

Nick Cole, CEO of Ireland's daa International, said: “It’s been fantastic to be in Lisbon with the daa International team for the GAD conference. I enjoyed taking part in the C-Suite panel and hearing honest, insightful perspectives from colleagues across the industry.”

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The C-suite panel covered a lot of ground.

© GAD World

Valuable Exchange of Ideas and Intel

As well as Cole, the other high-level speakers on the C-suite panel, titled ‘Future- Proofing Airports: Design, Efficiency & Profitability, were Jorge Hernandez, President & CEO of Aerostar Airport Holdings, LLC; CEO of Dallas-Fort Worth Airport, Chris McLaughlin; and Alexandre Lapeyre, Chief Planning and Sustainability Officer at ANA Aeroportos de Portugal (VINCI Airports). Their moderator was Curtis Grad, President & CEO of Modalis Infrastructure Partners.

The CEOs examined issues from optimizing infrastructure to enhance passenger flows, cut congestion, and maximize revenue generation, to aligning sustainability initiatives with profitability, and how to foster a culture of agility while maintaining safety and regulatory compliance.

Cole said: “It’s always refreshing to step back from the day-to-day and talk openly about the challenges we’re all facing along with the opportunities ahead of us. I’m heading home with a renewed sense of energy for what’s next.

Grad also moderated a session about the impact of non-aeronautical income on airport growth. Speakers Richard Connelly, Director of Aviation Advisory at Jacobs; Groupe ADP’s Executive Director for Economic and International Relations, Xavier Hurstel; and Rudy Vercelli, Executive Vice President, Privatization at Saudi Arabia’s Matarat Holding looked at multiple non-aero aspects including revenue generation through enhanced passenger engagement; car parking profitability; how to optimise retail and commercial offerings; and customer profiling to drive spend per passenger.

Commenting on the conference overall, Grad said: “Once again, GAD World gathered the full spectrum of players in airport private sector investment, development, and operations. It enabled a stimulating and productive exchange of ideas and intel. As always, a ‘can’t miss’ event for Modalis.”