Airport Experience® News - Pre-Conference Issue 2026

FEBRUARY 2026 / V24 N268

PRE-CONFERENCE ISSUE

GLOBAL FLAVORS TREND UPWARD

MAJOR EVENTS MOBILIZE AIRPORT, CONCESSIONS TEAMS

TPA’S MICHAEL STEPHENS SHARES VISION

ARRIVE EARLY. WE’RE THE REASON THEY

The journey begins with HMSHost — recognized year after year among the best in airport dining .

2 0 2 6 A X A

S – F i n a l i s t s

W A R D

Best Overall Restaurateur Restaurateur with the Highest Regard for Customer Service

BEST OVERALL

CONCEPTS

Best Casual Dining Concept (Large Airports) Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)

Best Casual Dining Concept (Medium/Small Airports) Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW)

Best QSR Concept (Medium/Small Airports) Jacksonville International Airport (JAX)

Best Bar Experience (Medium/Small Airports) Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC)

®

Best Local-Inspired Restaurant (Large Airports) Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)

Best QSR Concept (Large Airports) Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)

Best Bar Experience (Large Airports) Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)

To learn how HMSHost makes the journey as exciting as the destination, contact Michael Price, Business Development, at michael.price@hmshost.com.

10

22

14 Special Teams An influx of travelers for a few high-profile, global sporting events – including the World Cup and the Olympic Games – means airports in host cities are rallying to ensure smooth, efficient and rewarding passenger experiences. 22 Sports Mania The passenger surge due to sports-related travel this year will tax not only airports but concessionaires, who will experience sharp spikes during major sporting events. They’re gearing up to make sure they can meet traveler needs. 25 F&B Outlook Each year brings a new approach from restaurateurs, based on demand from consumers. Find out the food flavors and styles that are resonating today. 30 Awards The AX Awards finalists are revealed. Check out which concepts, operators, airports and individuals made this year’s list.

5 Letter From The Editor 6 Data Check

34 Airlines Passenger traffic is relatively strong as we begin 2026, but there are some headwinds for airlines. The nation’s legacy carriers are well-positioned, but low-cost carriers – once the darlings of the industry – are facing significant challenges. 36 One-On-One Plaza Premium Group is best known for its lounges in airports all over the world. But Chief Commercial Officer Jonathan Song says the company is more than just lounges. It’s focus is travel hospitality, which includes meet-and-greet services, on-airport hotels and even dining options.

The 2025 AX Fact Book reveals the best performing airport concessions programs in North America. Check out which airports landed on top. 7 Latest Buzz JFK T8 is finishing up a concessions program refresh, with new local concessions alongside national and global brands. 10 Director’s Chair Michael Stephens, CEO of Tampa International Airport, has a long tenure with the airport. He stepped into the leadership role in 2025 and has set his sights on future growth.

39 Advertising Index 40 Before You Take Off Audrey Harrison is an unusual

entrepreneur. At just 12 years old, she’s managed to win coveting placement in select Hudson shops in Texas airports.

2

AX NEWS FEBRUARY 2026

Andrew Tellijohn Senior Reporter Sally Kral Contributing Writer Sarah Beling Contributing Writer

TEAM

Barbara McCarter Portfolio Manager Chad Wimmer Senior Editorial Art Director Rae Lynn Cooper Production Manager Amanda Gochee Vice President, Marketing Strategy Katy Welch Senior Marketing Manager Tristan Lueck Marketing Coordinator Emma Vail Marketing Coordinator AXN ADVISORY GROUP Kim Becker, San Diego International Airport Derryl Benton, Avolta Zenola Campbell, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport Bryant Francis, Cleveland Hopkins International Airport Mark Gale, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport Eric Johnson, Nashville International Airport Roddy McOwan, WH Smith North America Gregg Paradies, Paradies Lagardère Kevin Westlye, High Flying Foods

Jeff Davis Executive Vice President, Retail and Specialty Melissa Montes Vice President/Publisher Carol Ward

Editor-in-Chief Nicole Watson Business Development Manager Sally Kral Contributing Writer Sarah Beling Contributing Writer John Quinnies Contributing Writer Barbara McCarter Senior Portfolio Manager Chad Wimmer Senior Editorial Art Director Rae Lynn Cooper Production Manager Amanda Gochee Vice President, Marketing Strategy Katy Welch Senior Marketing Manager Amanda Litwack Senior Digital Marketing Coordinator Samantha Tamberino Marketing Coordinator

Airport Experience ® News Is a Division of CLARION Events

PHONE 561.257.1026 FAX 561.228.0882 MARCH 29 - APRIL 1, 2025 WASHINGTON, DC GAYLORD NATIONAL RESORT & CONVENTION CENTER AIRPORT EXPERIENCE CONFERENCE

TO SUBSCRIBE VISIT https://www.airportxnews.com/plans/

Russell Wilcox Executive Chairman Lisa Hannant Chief Executive Officer, Clarion Events Greg Topalian Chairman, Clarion Events North America Liz Irving CEO, Clarion Events North America Russell Wilcox Executive Chairman Lisa Hannant Chief Executive Officer, Clarion Events Greg Topalian Chairman, Clarion Events North America Liz Irving President, Clarion Events North America Airport Experience ® News Is a Division of CLARION Events Phone 561.257.1026 Fax 561.228.0882 To subscribe visit https://airportxnews.com/subscribe/ ISSN: 1948-4445 Copyright © 2024 Airport Experience ® News, all rights reserved. Any reproduction of this magazine is strictly forbidden without prior permission from Airport Experience ® News.

ISSN: 1948-4445 Copyright © 2026 Airport Experience ® News, all rights reserved. Any reproduction of this magazine is strictly forbidden without prior permission from Airport Experience ® News.

CONFERENCE.AIRPORTXNEWS.COM

AX NEWS MARCH 2024 JOIN THE AIRPORT EXPERIENCE COMMUNITY Airport Experience® News offers comprehensive subscriptions, allowing you to personalize your level of engagement and support with AX’s growing network of news, content and events. Subscriptions offer the flexibility to explore the resources that matter most to your business, all rolled into one convenient purchase each year. Join the AX News community at any level and save on your annual conference badge! 3/4/24 2:29 PM

AXC-0139-SeeYouNextYear_2_3_Ad_New.indd 1

4

EXCLUSIVE SUBSCRIBER BENEFITS INCLUDE:

• One Year (eight issues) of Airport Experience News magazine, available in both print and digital formats. • The AX NewsFlash delivered weekly to your inbox. • Unlimited access to airportxnews.com • Printed and digital access to the AX Fact Book (premium subscribers only) • Discounted group subscriptions available! Printed and digital access to the AX Fact Book (premium subscribers only)

FEBRUARY 2026

Dear Readers,

FEBRUARY 2026 / V24 N268

This is year off to a strong start for many, as air travel continues to thrive even as the economy falters. In addition to buoyant leisure travel and stable business demand, the U.S Travel Association is predicting an additional 30 million international visitors will be coming to the U.S. this year for major sporting events, including the World Cup, the Olympic and Paralympic Games and other events. This issue of Airport Experience News highlights the ways airports and concessionaires are preparing for the influx of sports-minded visitors, from special teams deployed to manage logistics to event-specific pop-up F&B, retail and passenger engagement opportunities. This issue also captures the predictions of some of the nation’s foremost food and beverage consultants who share their expectations for the current year. And, in another outlook article, airline experts analyze the current state-of-play for North America’s leading carriers. Interviews with Michael Stephens of Tampa International Airport and, separately, Jonathan Song of Plaza Premium Group, round out this issue of AXN.

PRE-CONFERENCE ISSUE

GLOBAL FLAVORS TREND UPWARD

MAJOR EVENTS MOBILIZE AIRPORT, CONCESSIONS TEAMS

TPA’S MICHAEL STEPHENS SHARES VISION

Happy Reading,

Carol Ward Editor-in-Chief

Airport Experience News carol@airportxnews.com

5

AX NEWS FEBRUARY 2026

DATA CHECK

FACT BOOK FINDINGS Average Spend Per Enplaned Passenger Exceeds $15 In 2024

BY CAROL WARD

2024 TOP PERFORMING NORTH AMERICAN AIRPORTS (Including F&B, Specialty Retail, Newstand/Travel Essentials and Duty Free. Excluding Lounges, Suites and Passenger Services) Airport 2024 Enplanements 2024 Total Concessions Sales SEP John F. Kennedy International 31,496,265 $707, 891,959 $22.48 Los Angeles International 37,676,898 $776,215,163 $20.60 Miami International 27,884,707 $526,893,169 $18.90 San Francisco International 26,054,586 $488,825,088 $18.76 Vancouver International 13,050,728 $228,701,745 $17.52 Newark Liberty International 24,468,820 $422,881,563 $17.28 Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International 11,203,485 $190,617,573 $17.01 Boston Logan International 21,639,289 $356,221,355 $16.46 Harry Reid International 28,720,852 $472,565,627 $16.45 Seattle-Tacoma International 26,264,884 $418,756,352 $15.94

Source: 2025 AX Fact Book

assengers traveling through leading North American airports spent an average of $15 each in

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) was the largest airport by passenger numbers, enplaning 54.18 million travelers in 2024. ATL’s spending levels were below the group average at $11.62 per enplaned passenger. Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), which ranked second in enplanements, registered an SEP of $12.87 while third ranked Denver International Airport (DEN) came in at $14.24 per passenger. Total spending on in-terminal airport concessions (excluding lounges, suites and other passenger services) for the group of 42 airports came in at more than $11.5 billion in 2024. Food and beverage sales accounted for more than half that total, at $7.31 billion. Newsstand/travel retail sales came in at $2.12 billion while specialty retail sales reached $1.12 billion. Duty free sales for the group airports were just shy of $1 billion in 2024.

LEADING AIRPORTS: CONCESSIONS SALES IN 2024 (average of 42 top-performing airports)

P

2024, according to data compiled by Airport Experience News. The 2025 AX Fact Book charts performances of 85 North American airports. The top 42 airports performing airports of that group all registered average passenger expenditures exceeding $8. Spending on food and beverage, specialty retail, newsstand/travel essentials and duty free were all averaged into the results. Revenues from lounges and suites and other passenger services were excluded. John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) led the field of North American airports with spend per enplaned passenger (SEP) of $22.48. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) ranked second with an SEP of $20.60, while Miami International Airport (MIA) was third with an average spend of $18.90 per passenger.

(Including F&B, Specialty Retail, Newstand/Travel Essentials and Duty Free. Excluding Lounges, Suites and Passenger Services)

Duty Free $0.98 billion

Food & Beverage $7.31 billion

Specialty Retail $1.113 billion

TOTAL SALES $11.53 billion

Newsstand/ Travel Essentials $2.12 billion

Source: 2025 AX Fact Book

6

AX NEWS FEBRUARY 2026

LATEST BUZZ

CONCESSIONS OVERHAUL JFK T8 Is Nearing Completion Of A $125 Million Commercial Redevelopment

BY SARAH BELING

t’s no secret that John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is in the midst of a sweeping

the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey for new concessions in August of 2021, but the conversation around upgrading T8’s offerings goes back to 2017-2018, says Hersh Parekh, deputy chief of intergovernmental affairs for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ). “As part of [creating the JFK Airport Vision Plan], we wanted to make sure that as we were anticipating having new customers coming to Terminal 8, that we made sure that the concessions also were refreshed and that it wasn’t the same types of brands and concepts that you might see elsewhere across the country,” says Parekh, adding that the team wanted to make “an intentional effort to create something new and exciting on the commercial side of the of the terminal.”

I

transformation, thanks to its $19-billion JFK Vision Plan designed to expand and renovate its current facilities. And as the Queens airport continues to repair, replace and refresh its terminals, the $400-million Terminal 8 (T8), funded by American Airlines and completed in 2022, will be the first to see a significant commercial redevelopment across its concessions offerings thanks to a $125 million program dedicated to bringing dynamic shopping and dining concepts to the terminal. The terminal’s concessions manager, ASUR Airports LLC (formerly URW Airports ), first responded to a concessions RFP sent out by American Airlines and

Above, Page 8: The rich roster of local brands in JFK T8 is complemented by a range of well-known national and international brands.

7

AX NEWS FEBRUARY 2026

LATEST BUZZ

The Lineup As a result, more than 60 new shopping and dining offerings have already launched or will open across T8 over the next three months in the form of both direct leases and joint venture partnerships between Hudson, HMSHost, OTG , DFA, MERA US, Mezze, M +R Concessions, Villa and independent brands. Offerings include well-known New York favorites like the David Chang-led Peach Palace by Momofuku, Black Tap Burger, Italian market Eataly, taco brand Dos Toros and Alidoro sandwich shop, as well as hyper-local finds like Zaro’s Family Bakery, home decor/perfume/ jewelry retailer Alchemy; plant-based beauty brand Beautiful Amore Skincare, naturopathic boutique Mother Earth Juice Bar; local goods boutique Dear New York; as well as art and accessory store Natchie; Bowery Meat Company, a steakhouse by restaurateur John McDonald and Mercer Street hospitality; and Neir’s Tavern, an historic pub located near the airport. The updated T8 will also include several locations of trusted national brands such as the iPorte travel tech store, multiple Hudson convenience stores, Shake Shack, Dunkin’, a new Gameway video game lounge and the popular work and rest space MinuteSuites. Travelers will also be able to enjoy fare from the newly opened Boroughs Food Hall, operated in joint venture with MERA US and New York City-based Tsion Enterprises , Texas-based Food Cycle LLC and Massachusetts-based South River Partners . The food hall features even more local brands like craft beer bar Cobblestones, Black Star Bakery & Cafe, Japanese cafe Mito, Middle Eastern quick serve restaurant Naya, Guy Fieri-backed Flavortown Kitchen, Brooklyn-based cafe and juicery BKLYN Blend, Bagel Boss and Long Island-based Le Petit Gourmet. Duty free concessions – operated by Dufry (Avolta), Queens-based The Nourish Spot , New York-based Sullivan Hernandez Group , Atlanta-based Kellee Communications and Florida-based Tarra Enterprises , Inc. – include Meatpacking

master concessionaire, we wanted to make sure that the concessions program reflected the best of New York,” adds Parekh. “To achieve that, you have to reach out to local businesses and see who is interested [in launching at the airport],” he adds, noting that the PANYNJ and ASUR Airports LLC joined local legislators in holding sessions for interested entrepreneurs to learn about the opportunities at JFK. “And from the initial interest, you have to verify if they have the capacity and the knowledge and the experience to actually come into the airport and operate or manage a concession because, as we often say, running a food and beverage or retail business off airport is night-and-day from doing the same on the airport.” To ready businesses for operations in Terminal 8, PANYNJ and ASUR Airports LLC offered multiple initiatives designed to support entrepreneurs new to the airport space: the PANYNJ-run Institute of Concessions (IOC), a free, months-long course covering the ins and outs of airport logistics; and the ASUR Airports LLC Small Business Accelerator program, in which the concessions manager funded kiosk and small inline spaces on 12- and 24-month leases to lower the barrier of entry for local entrepreneurs. “ASUR Airports LLC came forward with a fantastic concept – all you need to do is bring in your merchandise, your branding, signage and your point-of-sale system and you become an airport concessionaire,” says Parekh of the program.

Local And First-To-Airport Brands After American Airlines selected JFK T8 Innovation Partners (a joint venture led by ASUR Airports LLC and certified minority-business enterprise (MBE) equity partner Phoenix Infrastructure Group ) to lead the charge, the consortium set out to put together an appealing portfolio of concepts for T8 travelers, says Ashley Hari, ASUR Airports LLC’s leasing director. “In the case of Terminal 8, we focused on creating a New York sense of place that appealed to the masses,” says Hari. “We focused on bringing some mega first to-airport brands as a surprise and delight moment,” Hari continues. “Throughout the merchandising, we sprinkled in local, disadvantaged businesses wherever possible, as a strategic complement to the overall experience.” The JV partners also committed to working with local suppliers. “As airport capital and operational costs are incredibly difficult to manage, we really doubled down our efforts with product suppliers through local artisans and entrepreneurs,” says Hari. “This undertapped market gives small businesses a foothold in the airport without the overhead of the high costs of doing business. We are hoping to see our new suppliers blossom and grow into their own footprints once their products are established.” “As part of our guidance provided to American Airlines as the terminal operator and ASUR Airports LLC as the

8

AX NEWS FEBRUARY 2026

LATEST BUZZ

District-inspired W. 12th St. Market; cosmetic and fragrance boutique Beauty on 5th; skincare and spirits store The Park at T8; wine, spirit, fragrance and confection retailer BKLYN Shopping; global fashion merchant Chic Luxury Boutiques; liquor and tobacco retailer The Connoisseur Collection and built-in speakeasy Blinded Tiger; as well as fashion jewelry, leather goods and watch store The Collection. “For the passengers, it will be an incrementally different experience that highlights all the best from NYC to Queens, and everything in between,” says Hari of the new concessions. “For the local small businesses, it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to determine their future in airports and scale their business.” Parekh agrees. “The businesses that are operating in the accelerator program have shared with us that the customers that buy products from them are excited – they see something that they might not have found elsewhere,” he adds. “I think it’s a testament to the fact that when you are offering airport customers something that is unique, not your standard run-of-the-mill thing you might get at any airport around the country, people want that and they want to support a local business,” says Parekh. “When they go home, they want to be able to say ‘Look, this is something that I bought that will help me remember my time in New York,’” he adds.

Left, Above: Local is a big focus in JFK T8, with F&B brands like Dos Toros and Zaro’s, and retail brands such as Alchemy and Natchie, all bringing a sense of place to the terminal.

The offering is even appealing to locals, adds Parekh. “We’ve heard that the terminal employees have been actually one of the strongest customer bases for these accelerators,” he says, “because they’re a great place to buy gifts for their loved ones.” “NYC is the best melting pot in the world,” adds Hari. “We are incredibly proud of the unique experience we have created that lowers barriers to entry, introduces first-to airport concepts, and creates a lasting impact for both employees and passengers.”

9

AX NEWS FEBRUARY 2026

DIRECTOR’S CHAIR

TAMPA BAY TRANSITION Now At The Helm, Stephens Shares Vision For Growth At TPA

BY CAROL WARD

Above: With growth in its local population and strong demand for both leisure and business travel, Tampa International Airport is expecting a 10 million passenger bump over the next decade.

we had under Joe’s leadership. We obviously worked very close with Joe in shaping that vision for what we want to be, not only for the region, but for the industry. My goal and focus is to continue building on that. We’re primarily focusing on our team and focusing on our guest experience, then we’re undergirding all of that with innovation. How do we not only move the needle for where we are now, but how do we prepare for where we want to be in the next five years? When Joe came here, part of the goal and his major focus was to grow our international service, which we made great strides in doing. We’ll continue to focus on that. As the region grows and as the number of passengers coming through the airport grows as well, we’re now [focused on] elevating the experience. For example, if we’re talking about concessions, how do we continue to create world-class concession experiences that blend in a sense of place … but also incorporate some of the things that we see both nationally and internationally?

Above: Michael Stephens, CEO, Tampa International Airport

ditor’s Note: In April 2025, Michael Stephens took on the role of CEO of Tampa International Airport

E

(TPA). He replaced Joe Lopano, who led the airport for 14 years. Stephens is a 10-year veteran of TPA, having joined in November 2015 as general counsel, and is continuing much of the vision set forth by Lopano. He recently spoke with AXN’s Carol Ward about the continuing evolution of the airport, the anticipated new concessions program and other innovations coming to the fore. WARD: Can you outline your broad-based vision for the airport, and share how your first several months of leadership have gone? STEPHENS: It’s going extremely well. We have a fantastic team, and that team is still, by and large, in place, certainly the executive team level and the next level of leaders down. We’re really building on the successes

10

AX NEWS FEBRUARY 2026

DIRECTOR’S CHAIR

WARD: In terms of passenger traffic, what did you see in 2025 and what are you expecting this year? STEPHENS: Like a lot of markets, we’re seeing a little bit of headwind because of the global environment and some of the uncertainties with the economy. But for Tampa, as an O&D market, we are still doing really well. We’re expecting for [2026] to have close to 3% passenger growth. [We expect to finish 2025] at roughly 26 million passengers. Over the next 10 years, we’re expecting almost 10 million [additional] people to come through Tampa International, so we’re preparing for that growth with the addition of Airside D, which will have 16 gates. We broke ground on that project several months ago. For the Tampa Bay region as a whole, over that same 10 year period of time, we’re expecting another 750,000 more people to move to this region, so it is really going to be something that we plan for, not only as an airport, but as a community as well.

WARD: You mentioned international growth. Is that your main focus in terms of adding new air service? STEPHENS: We’re very aggressive on adding international flights but we’re also looking at some other areas on the map domestically, particularly out on the West Coast. And from a more micro level internationally, there are a lot of opportunities in the Caribbean, and also in Latin America, which we have been aggressively pursuing. WARD: Can you share a bit about the Airside D project? STEPHENS: We have an anticipated opening in Q4 of 2028. A lot of enabling work is underway. We’ll start going vertical with the structure in spring. It’s going to be state of the art, with two lounges, a Delta [Air Lines] lounge and a common use lounge, and with 16 gates. WARD: Is that expansion needed right now, or is that what your projections call for?

STEPHENS: We believe that with what we’re doing with our air service program, that some of that is going to be needed immediately – it would have already been online had we not had the delay with Covid. From our vantage point, we’re growing at a clip…that we certainly could have used some of that gate capacity now in order to really support our aggressiveness in pursuing additional routes. WARD: You mentioned technology and passenger experience upgrades. Can you dive in a bit deeper and talk about what you’re bringing into both the current terminal and the new Airside D? STEPHENS: We’re looking at things that impact passenger efficiency and flow. For Below: Gate demand at Tampa International Airport is high, and the airport is in the early stages of a new, 16-gate Airside D development to help ease congestion and allow for more flights.

11

AX NEWS FEBRUARY 2026

DIRECTOR’S CHAIR

example, we’re looking at technologies such as LiDAR, which is a camera-based system that will allow us to have more efficient flow through the customs facility. We’re also looking at biometrics, making sure that from garage to gate, we have the most seamless experience that we can. Another thing that I’ve tasked the team with looking at is how we can enable passengers to get through the airport more efficiently from a wayfinding standpoint. WARD: Let’s turn to concessions. What’s the current status? Is everything going well? Do you have changes in the works? STEPHENS: Concessions are doing really well. We are looking forward to going back out with all of our concessions agreements [in 2026] with a new RFP. We last bid our program probably close to 10 years ago, and we extended [contracts] to sync it up with Airside D. We’re going to do the entire program over. We are really looking to innovate, giving folks more choice and

more local brands, as well as international and national brands. We also want to give them experiences. WARD: How will you approach the RFP process. Will you offer packages for bid or take another approach? STEPHENS: We realize [the benefits of] multiple packages, not only from a brand diversity standpoint, but also from a participatory standpoint. It gives joint ventures and other entrants the opportunity to jump into the concession space. WARD: Are there other developments you’d like to share? STEPHENS: We’re just excited about what the future holds - things like eVTOL coming online, and how we mix eVTOL into our footprint here within the Tampa Bay region. There are a number of things that we can do to create an air mobility hub where Tampa International is a destination, not just for air travel but for our concessions or different activities that we have. We’re always focused

Above: Concessions for the entire airport, including the new Airside D, will be rebid through an RFP expected to be released later this year.

on how to maximize integrating ourselves in this community and give them a tremendous amount of value. WARD: So you anticipate eVTOL activities at TPA? STEPHENS: Yes. I think we’re going to see it picking up significant speed here in the United States, and particularly here in Florida, just because the geography of [long and narrow borders of Florida]. Given where the major population centers are in Florida, we should be taking a leading role. We’re preparing Tampa Bay specifically to be a leader within the state when it comes to eVTOLS, being able to connect from here to Orlando, or from here down to Naples or Fort Myers and beyond, as the technology and the range of the vehicles increases.

12

AX NEWS FEBRUARY 2026

© 2026 LaTrelle’s Management Corporation.

HEADLINE Deck PRE-GAME PLANNING With Major Sporting Events Ahead, Airports Are Preparing For Passenger Influxes BY SARAH BELING

BY AUTHOR

14

AX NEWS FEBRUARY 2026

It’s game time for airports helping to host the upcoming FIFA World Cup, Super Bowl, Summer Olympic and Paralymic Games and other high-profile sporting events. In preparing to welcome large influxes of first-time visitors, VIPs and super fans, the stakes are as high as a tournament-defining match. Several North American airports and cities will be on the front lines for those massive events and others. U.S. Travel estimates that an estimated 30 million international visitors will be coming for major sporting events. In addition to the World Cup and Olympic and Paralympic Games, the United States will host the 2029 World University Games, the 2031 Men’s Rugby World Cup, the 2033 Women’s Rugby World Cup and the 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The U.S. is also the only bidder for the 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup. In fact, U.S. Travel has launched America’s Sports and Travel Mega Event Coalition (ASTMEC), a national alliance of sports, travel and business leaders dedicated to helping the United States successfully host the collection of global sporting events headed to the United States over the next decade. The Airport Gateway Long before the starting whistle blows, airport teams are practicing hard and perfecting their own game day strategies through logistical preparation and a bit of creative spark. Many airports are already seasoned pros at hosting large-scale sporting events. “Southern California has hosted a number of Super Bowls in recent history, so we have had the ability to see growth in our passenger counts and the ability to accommodate a number of professional

sports teams both on the general aviation and jet side,” says Long Beach Airport’s (LGB) deputy director, Juan Lopez-Rios. Long Beach will host 11 medal events in the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics and seven events in the 2028 Summer Paralympic Games, making LGB an attractive destination airport for athletes, coaches and fans alike, adds Lopez-Rios, as it’s “a little more attractive than trying to make your way through LAX and it offers a more quiet alternative, with oftentimes a little more confidentiality, if [travelers] want to fly under the radar.” To prepare for the influx of new visitors ahead of the 2028 games, the team at LGB has been hard at work in partnership with city officials on logistical needs, making long-term facility updates to its passenger concourse and outdoor spaces as well as working through infrastructural planning. “We’re working behind the scenes on transportation networks – what is the city going to look like [during the Olympics]?” says Lopez-Rios. “But with our

infrastructure, our light rail and our bus capacity, we believe that there are families and visitors who can fly into Long Beach, not need to rent a car, and just utilize public transportation if they’re staying within this area.” At Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), which previously welcomed large influxes of travelers for the 2024 WrestleMania XL tournament as well as for several matches in the 2025 FIFA World Cup, will also help host the 2026 World Cup, as well as the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, PGA Championship, MLB All Star Game, and a variety of celebrations for America’s 250th anniversary. “Planning for these events started well before Philadelphia was announced a host city for the World Cup,” says Leah Douglas, PHL’s director of guest experience, adding that “it was a great experience to have also hosted the first-ever FIFA Club World Cup in 2025 as a springboard for the airport and its employee base to get excited to welcome the world for the multiple events in 2026.”

Right: Long Beach has a small airport but a big opportunity. The city will host 11 medal events in the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics and seven events in the 2028 Summer Paralympic Games.

15

AX NEWS FEBRUARY 2026

Left: Philadelphia International Airport welcomed visitors from around the world for several matches in the 2025 FIFA World Cup, and will also help host the 2026 World Cup. Below: Vancouver International Airport has considerable experience welcoming massive crowds to the airport and city, having previously hosted The Grey Cup football tournament, Taylor Swift concerts, the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 and the 2010 Winter Olympics. The city will host several matches of the 2026 World Cup.

PHL is preparing its facilities for this year’s events by continuing to upgrade its physical amenities, renovating its restrooms and adding new seating and charging capabilities to its terminals. The airport also plans to implement and expand several customer facing services such as adding volunteer navigators to provide wayfinding to new arrivals, employing the Department of Aviation’s Ambassador Program to engage with guests and support in-airport activations and offering customer service training sessions for the newly created PHL WORKS team (Welcoming, Ownership, Respectful, Knowledgeable, and Seeks to connect). “Our collective goal is to elevate the airport experience, offering meaningful interactions that make each guest feel welcomed, valued and appreciated,” says Douglas. Vancouver International Airport (YVR), which has previously hosted The Grey Cup football tournament, Taylor Swift concerts, the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 and the 2010 Winter Olympics, will host several matches at the 2026 World Cup. The airport has a long history of hosting global events, says Andy Margolis, YVR’s vice president of operations and COO.

Margolis notes that in order to accommodate increased passenger traffic, “which can soar anywhere from five to as much as 15% in the days before, during and after an event,” YVR assembles cross-functional teams who are experts in facilitation, emergency management, baggage, maintenance and communications. Those teams work alongside federal agencies operating and external partners such as the Vancouver Host Committee to manage logistics. And at fellow World Cup host Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), “we’re applying insights and lessons learned from past events and sharing strategies with other host airports across the country as we prepare for the unique scale of this event,” as well as aligning closely with planning teams to meet service expectations for international guests and VIPs, says Sharon McCloskey, vice president of customer experience, adding that the airport plans to complete work on its International Parkway project before the start of the 2026 World Cup. They are also encouraging customers to use their DFW Airport App, preparing multilingual signage and implementing enhanced customer service support to ensure that “travelers feel comfortable and supported,” adds McCloskey.

16

AX NEWS FEBRUARY 2026

Passion for Coffee & Tea Since 1963

Your Favorite Carry-On

Can Be Your New Business

National Coffee & Tea Brand in 8 Major U.S. Airports

Established business model Scalable café format & size Professional onboarding & training Dynamic franchise community Continuous innovation Ongoing support

10 YEAR term agreement 5.5% royalty rate 0% marketing fee

EXPLORE OUR FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITIES www.coffeebean.com/pages/franchising Peter Vavra Director of Franchise Development pvavra@coffeebean.com

This ad does not constitute an offer to sell any “The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf®” franchise in, nor is this intended to be directed to the residents of any jurisdiction requiring registration of the franchise before it is offered and sold in that jurisdiction. No “The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf®” franchises will be sold to any resident of any such jurisdiction until the offering has been exempted from the requirements of, or duly registered in and declared effective by, such jurisdiction and the required Franchise Disclosure Document (if applicable) has been delivered to the prospective franchisee before the sale in compliance with applicable law.

Miami International Airport (MIA), which will serve as a host for the World Cup, is accustomed to high-traffic events, having welcomed millions of additional travelers for recent events including the Art Basel Miami Beach festival during the Thanksgiving Day travel weekend, the 2020 Super Bowl and the Miami Grand Prix in 2024. The airport’s 2026 World Cup hosting plan includes increases in Customs and Border Protection (CBP) staffing and collaboration with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to implement its latest screening technologies, as well as support from the federal government to expedite visa processing times for international travelers, says Greg Chin, MIA’s communications division director. MIA’s expertise has proven helpful for the team at fellow World Cup host airport Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), who reached out to the South Florida hub for advice on managing the heavy influx of travelers. “I reached out to Miami because we had not held a large-scale event like that before, and then we decided to bring in some other airports that we thought would all benefit from that kind of conversation and sharing information,” says SEA’s manager of World Cup logistics Julie Collins. “Not surprisingly, some of the knowledge that we gleaned early on from Miami was around communication. [MIA] had a lot of really tactical, on-the ground services” around specialized ground share transportation for passengers, players and officials, adds Collins. And for the two airports hosting the 2026 Super Bowl — San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and San José Minetta International Airport (SJC) (which will also host several matches in the 2026 World Cup, the NCAA Men’s Basketball West Regional tournament in March 2026, and the 2026 US National Table Tennis Championships) - “there’s never enough time” for planning says Scott Wintner, SJC’s deputy director of marketing and communications, but the airport team’s institutional knowledge from previous events has come in handy. SJC, which has hosted the Super Bowl in 2016 and a number of large-scale events in the intervening years, is “really well-versed in welcoming groups and conventions, but also major sporting events to the South

an influx of business jets,” around 2026’s World Cup, says Jim Szczesniak, director of the Houston Airport System (HAS). “Once we know which teams are playing in Houston, we’ll fine-tune the plan to reflect each fan base’s unique travel habits and expectations,” he adds, “because, whether helping a family arriving on a commercial flight or coordinating private charters, our focus is on delivering a safe, efficient and user-friendly experience that reflects Houston’s world-class hospitality.” Hospitality Focus One of the most critical aspects of welcoming sports fans is making the airport’s lounges, dining and retail concepts feel attuned to the event with limited-edition offerings and experiential activations. Some airports, like DFW, are expanding their lounge offerings in anticipation of international travelers, or are installing a World Cup countdown clock (currently on display at IAH). Others, like PHL, plan to offer FIFA merchandise as well as globally inspired food and beverages “to create a welcoming, engaging experience that reflects both the spirit of the tournament and the best of our city,” says Dana Krawchuk, MarketPlace PHL marketing and guest experience manager. PHL’s Douglas adds that the airport’s 2024 WrestleMania in-airport activations, which included an in-airport pep rally, wrestling ring, merchandise, in-airport branding and plenty of photo ops, “generated so much

Bay,” says Wintner. He notes that the airport has been engaging with city officials as well as sports and entertainment venue design firm Populous to prepare its facilities for the World Cup and Super Bowl to “make sure that visitors to our region feel like they’re part of the action from the moment they touch down and then are sent off with a great last impression of their visit to the South Bay.” SFO, which has hosted previous large scale sporting events including Super Bowl 50, the 2025 NBA All-Star Game and the 2025 NCAA Western Region Basketball Tournament Games “formally began preparing for Super Bowl 60 in May 2025,” says Doug Yakel, public information officer at SFO. “A common focus for these events is accommodating increased demand for private and corporate aircraft operations, including aircraft parking,” he adds. “We anticipate approximately 4,500-5,000 non-airline aircraft operations related to this event over the five-day event period and have already met with local FAA and FBO teams on aircraft operations and parking.” SFO has also suspended any airfield construction projects that might cause flight delays during this period, and is meeting with local stakeholders to ensure smooth operations on the airport’s nearby roadways. And at William P. Hobby International Airport (HOU) and George Bush International Airport (IAH), “Our team is currently focused on tactical planning, everything from coordinated bus transportation for large groups to handling

Right: San José Minetta International Airport will showcase neighborhoods, history and “wacky, interesting factoids” as part of its welcome to sports communities.

18

AX NEWS FEBRUARY 2026

Left: In June 2025, Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), revealed a world cup countdown clock, marking the days and hours until the major sporting event hits the city.

World Cup experience with parts of Seattle. That starts with our customers – making sure the customer experience is efficient, that customers are able to get from point A to point B with intuitive wayfinding and making sure that our transportation is easy to locate. We can have really exciting activities and banners [around the World Cup], but if the [customer] experience isn’t a positive one, we know that’s a real detriment.” “We’re also focused on ways that the airport employees can be engaged and really feel excited,” Collins continues. “So many of them come from all around the world. They’ve grown up with the FIFA World Cup, and so for them to get into the competitive spirit is something we really want to draw on, and have our airport community get excited about this big event next year.” The teams at SFO and HAS would agree. “For any such event, our goal is to ensure we deliver a consistently high airport experience irrespective of the increased volume of passenger and flight activity during these events,” says Yakel, by “operating a facility that is welcoming, dependable, reliable, rich in features and amenities ensures repeat business even after these major events are over.” “The most critical piece is delivering a seamless experience from the moment they arrive until they depart,” adds Szczesaniak. “For many fans, this will be their first time in Houston, and we want them to leave thinking, ‘That was easy, that was welcoming, I’d come back again.’ That means smooth curbside operations, plenty of staff ready to answer questions and efficient processing through TSA and Customs. Houston is a primary gateway to Latin America and the South Central United States, so the impression we make matters. If we do this right, travelers won’t just remember the World Cup—they’ll remember Houston as a place they want to return to for business or leisure.” And until the first fans touch down, “it’s going to be a period of time with lots of momentum,” says LGB’s Lopez-Rios of the ‘28 games.“ It is a ways out, but it comes quickly —it will be here before we know it!”

energy from fans and employees that PHL is finalizing similar plans to welcome guests for all major events coming to Philadelphia in 2026.” For the teams at IAH and HOU, which plan to incorporate team-specific merchandise once entrants are finalized for the World Cup, “the goal is to give fans a chance to celebrate their teams the moment they arrive, while also keeping the concessions experience smooth and efficient for all travelers,” adds Szczesniak. MIA, which will create soccer-themed activities for younger travelers and watch party areas for passengers to catch live World Cup matches, is also working to bring in a FIFA concessionaire, adds Chin, noting that the airport plans to have three FIFA-themed restaurants “and possibly some retail locations.” “We have the opportunity to really do some special things during that time,” adds Lopez-Rios of LGB’s Olympics hosting stint. In addition to working with concessionaire Paradies Lagardère to coordinate Olympic memorabilia, LGB, which regularly hosts community concerts with food trucks in its outdoor spaces, plans to create similar gatherings with live screenings of Olympic events for travelers and locals alike. LGB even has on-campus pickleball courts and offers pickleball pop-ups for those who feel inspired by the games to try their hand at a sport.

Image Building Airport leaders hope that passengers won’t just walk away with fond memories of their favorite sporting event, but also of the region itself. “While DFW doesn’t directly influence this, our beautiful, diverse and culture-rich region does,” says McCloskey, adding that the DFW team is “committed to making the airport experience enjoyable and not a barrier to returning – Dallas, Fort Worth and our surrounding communities are welcoming and warm, and we always strive to mirror that experience here at DFW.” The team at SJC hopes its work with design firm Populous to create a distinctive “San Jose 2026” brand both showcases its role in the year’s sporting events, and “gives people a glimpse into our community [by] featuring many of the neighborhoods in our community, some of the history of our community, and some of the wacky, interesting factoids about things that were born here in San Jose, to really try to draw people in and help tell the story,” says Wintner. “I think we all recognize that a lot of people know parts of our story, but they don’t necessarily tie it back to San Jose. And so that’s what, in part, this effort hopes to do for visitors who join us in ‘26.” SEA’s Collins adds, “It’s really [about] creating that sense of place – merging the

19

AX NEWS FEBRUARY 2026

ADVERTORIAL

Airport dining has entered a new era, one defined less by novelty and more by nuance. As travelers move through terminals that are faster and increasingly digital, expectations around food, beverage, and service continue to rise. Paradies Lagardère’s Dining Division is meeting that moment with a clear‑eyed view of what resonates now and what will matter most in 2026. Some trends—like demand for speed, quality, and authentic local flavors—transcend markets, while others are market‑specific, shaped by each city’s culinary identity and traveler mix. At the center of that strategy are Alice Cheung, Senior Director of Brands and Concepts, and Brittany McCarthy, National Beverage Manager, whose combined expertise in culinary development, beverage programming, and guest behavior provides a practical roadmap for dining that feels efficient, human, and tailored to each location. P aradies L agardère ’ s 2026 F oodand B everage F orecast : where hospitality meets intention

Paradies Lagardère embraced chicken long before it became the industry’s most adaptable protein, bringing Chick‑fil‑A into airports early and encouraging brand partners to explore chicken dishes that align with their culinary identity. The result is variety without sacrificing familiarity—Mediterranean preparations, regional spice profiles and smoked applications that feel distinctive yet accessible. For Cheung, the takeaway is simple: travelers want flavor and creativity, not default grilled chicken. The opportunity lies in working with chefs who understand how to layer spices, textures and cultural influences in ways that travel well in an airport setting. Viral Moments with Purpose Social media continues to shape expectations, but the most successful viral moments are rooted in authenticity. Paradies Lagardère has found that nimble, culturally‑aware activations resonate far more than gimmicks. During Taylor Swift’s Eras tour, Vino Volo locations in select airports introduced pink, glitter‑forward cocktails inspired by the artist’s music. The drinks quickly found their way onto Instagram and TikTok, not because they were forced, but because they tapped into an existing emotional moment for travelers. Cheung emphasizes that these moments cannot always be planned months in advance. The key is having teams empowered to respond to what travelers are already excited about, whether that is a concert, a sporting event or a citywide celebration.

The Human Touch Still Matters Technology is firmly embedded in airport dining but is no longer the headline—QR codes, pay‑at‑the‑table systems, and self‑order kiosks have become expected conveniences, especially for Millennial and Gen Z travelers. Heading into 2026, it’s clear that technology should complement, not replace, genuine hospitality.

Cheung notes that airports remain inherently stressful environments. Even the most tech‑savvy traveler may crave a moment of warmth or reassurance before a flight. The same guest might opt for minimal interaction while finishing a presentation, then later seek a

Alice Cheung

conversation with a bartender to mark the start of a vacation or the close of a business deal. Paradies Lagardère’s service model is designed to accommodate both, offering choice rather than forcing a single experience. That flexibility reflects a deeper understanding of traveler psychology—an understanding that comes from years of operating at scale while remaining attentive to individual moments. Chicken Leads the Protein Conversation Protein‑forward menus aren’t new, but the popularity of chicken‑based concepts continues to accelerate. While burgers still top airport concessions, chicken is rapidly closing the gap thanks to its versatility, cost efficiency, and ability to carry bold flavors that appeal to today’s travelers.