Airport Agency, the organiser behind the CONNECT Route Development Forum, together with its official local hosts – the Marshal’s Office of the Lubelskie Voivodeship, the City of Lublin and the Lublin Conference Centre – is proud to announce that Lublin will host the 23rd edition of CONNECT from 17–19 February 2026. The announcement was made today at a press conference in Lublin attended by local authorities and CONNECT representatives.
The three-day event is expected to welcome over 800 senior aviation decision-makers from more than 65 countries. It will include pre-arranged one-to-one meetings, a high-level conference programme, and an attractive social agenda – offering unparalleled opportunities for developing new air connections and strengthening industry partnerships.
“Following the success of our recent event in Girona, we’re delighted to bring CONNECT to another extraordinary location. We look forward to welcoming the aviation community and enabling our delegates to discover the rich potential this dynamic region has to offer,” said Karin Butot, CEO of Airport Agency, creator and organiser of CONNECT.
A Strategic Location in Eastern Europe
The arrival of the CONNECT Route Development Forum in the Lubelskie Voivodeship marks a significant step into the Eastern European market – a region gaining importance in the global aviation landscape. As Poland continues to grow as a hub for both business and tourism, Lublin offers a compelling blend of rich history, vibrant culture and strategic potential.
Situated on the right bank of the River Vistula, Lublin is the largest and fastest-growing city in eastern Poland. With a history of over 700 years as a crossroads of trade routes and ideas, the city now combines medieval charm with forward-looking energy. Lublin’s 2030+ Cultural Strategy highlights creativity, accessibility and innovation, positioning the city not only as a cultural heartland but also as a modern European metropolis.
“CONNECT is one of the aviation industry’s most significant events and will help us raise awareness of our city and showcase the potential of our destination. Hosting this prestigious conference in the years leading up to our role as European Capital of Culture 2029 is a unique opportunity to present all that Lublin has to offer. It’s an excellent platform to promote the city and encourage aviation stakeholders to consider operations at Lublin Airport. I’m pleased that we, together with the Lubelskie Voivodeship, will be hosting this international gathering,” said Krzysztof Żuk, Mayor of Lublin.
The Lubelskie Voivodeship is one of Poland’s oldest regions, brimming with potential. Its dynamic development is making the region increasingly prominent on the contemporary European map. The area is renowned for its multicultural heritage, shaped over centuries by diverse nations, religions and traditions. Among its strongest assets are cultural legacy, varied folk traditions, unspoiled natural landscapes and excellent options for active tourism.
“The choice of our regional capital to host CONNECT AVIATION 2026 is a strong affirmation of our region’s development path. This decision echoes our historical aviation traditions – we are, after all, home to the Military Aviation Academy in Dęblin. It places us firmly as a centre of business, tourism and culture. I sincerely hope this strategic event will help elevate the Lubelskie Voivodeship’s profile on the international stage,” stated Jarosław Stawiarski, Marshal of the Lubelskie Voivodeship.
Lublin Airport provides transport accessibility to more than 2 million residents of the Lubelskie region. In 2025, it is projected to handle 500,000 passengers – the highest figure in its 13-year history. This confirms the airport’s vital role in supporting both the economic and tourism development of the region.
“Despite being a relatively young airport, Lublin Airport has consistently strengthened its position as a gateway to the world for this part of Poland and a driver of regional growth. I am confident that hosting one of the world’s premier aviation events will significantly boost the visibility of both Lublin city and the Lubelskie Voivodeship. Increasingly, tourists and entrepreneurs are reaching us thanks to our airport,” commented Marcin Kowalewski, Vice-President of Lublin Airport.
Discover more: Lublin Conference Centre and Lublin: A Rising Star in Europe’s MICE Landscape.
About CONNECT ROUTE DEVELOPMENT FORUM
CONNECT is an independent air service development forum providing airports and their regions with a platform for expanding commercial aviation activities. Now in its 23rd edition, CONNECT is a recognised event dedicated to route development and aimed at airlines, airports, tourism organisations and aviation industry suppliers. Poland has never before hosted CONNECT Aviation.
Source: press release Lublin Conference Centre; photo credits M.Pietrusza
