by MK
Trieste has been selected to host the 23rd edition of Connect Aviation, a prominent international forum focused on air route development, scheduled to take place from Feb. 23 to 25, 2027.
Organized by The Airport Agency, the event will be held in partnership with the Region of Friuli Venezia Giulia and PromoTurismoFVG. The gathering is expected to bring together hundreds of delegates, including representatives from airlines, airports and aviation-related companies across Europe.
Regional officials described the selection as recognition of the area’s infrastructure and its growing role in international transportation networks. The forum is designed as a business-to-business platform, facilitating meetings between industry stakeholders with the aim of developing new air routes and strengthening existing connections.
Fabio Gallo, chief executive of Trieste Airport, said the event would offer an opportunity to present the broader regional system to international carriers. He noted the potential of both business and leisure travel in the region, emphasizing the strategic role of the airport within a wider catchment area.
The announcement comes at a challenging time for the aviation industry, marked by geopolitical tensions, rising fuel costs and aircraft shortages. Speaking at the presentation, the governor of Friuli Venezia Giulia, Massimiliano Fedriga, said such conditions make investment and rapid strategic action more critical.
Fedriga pointed to the airport’s growth in recent years, with passenger numbers increasing from about 700,000 in 2017 to nearly 1.7 million today. He said the next phase would involve diversifying airline partnerships and expanding both domestic and international routes.
The forum, now in its 23rd edition, typically spans three days and combines scheduled meetings, conference sessions and networking opportunities. It is expected to attract around 800 participants, including major global airline groups and airport operators.
According to Sergio Emidio Bini, the event aligns with broader efforts to enhance the region’s accessibility — a key factor in tourism competitiveness and economic development. Friuli Venezia Giulia recorded more than 11 million visitors in 2025, a regional high, underscoring its increasing visibility as a travel destination.
Officials said the 2027 forum will serve not only as a platform for industry negotiations but also as a showcase for the region’s economic and tourism potential on a European stage.
