From 17 to 19 February 2026, the 22nd edition of the Connect Route Development Forum, also known as Connect Aviation, took place at the Lublin Conference Centre. For three days, Lublin became an international hub for dialogue on the future of aviation and tourism, welcoming more than 800 participants from nearly 60 countries.
The Connect Aviation programme featured over 20 industry sessions, B2B meetings and networking events. Key topics included the development of regional aviation, cooperation between local authorities and carriers, strengthening Lublin’s role as a regional aviation hub, the impact of Port Polska on the aviation market, airline strategies, trends in the Mediterranean market and the challenges faced by smaller airports.
The event brought together representatives of 175 airports and 75 airlines, including Air Arabia, Aeroitalia, Wizz Air, Ryanair, Corendon Airlines, easyJet, Finnair, Lufthansa and Air France, alongside international experts. The largest delegations came from France, the United Kingdom, Poland, Germany, Spain, Italy and Turkey.
“This is an excellent opportunity to draw attention to Lublin,” explained Karin Butot, CEO of The Airport Agency and the event’s principal organiser. “It is one of the hidden gems. The destination is already recognised, with a well-established position on the Polish market and in parts of Central Europe. In terms of route development, the airport has strong ambitions to grow, consolidate connections with broader markets and attract more visitors. As organisers, we are delighted to bring this community to your city, because we bring airline decision-makers. People who will explore it, discover it and say: yes, this could be a great place, we should open new routes.”
The successful delivery of Connect Aviation 2026 was built on people and partnerships that genuinely added value to the event. One of the key partners for the organiser, The Airport Agency, and the local hosts from the Lubelskie region was the Polish Tourism Organisation, together with the Poland Convention Bureau (PCB POT).
The Congress was attended by Magdalena Krucz, President of the Polish Tourism Organisation; Aneta Książek, Head of the Poland Convention Bureau; and Wojciech Norkowski, who actively supported both the substantive programme and the event’s positioning.
“I am pleased that Lublin, the cradle of Polish aviation, has once again found itself at the centre of aviation industry events after more than one hundred years. It was here that the first aircraft factory in independent Poland was established in 1920. Today, this aviation forum created an opportunity to meet a great number of partners within a short period of time and to discuss business opportunities and the potential launch of new routes in the future. The event not only strengthened Lublin’s position on the map of European industry meetings, but also demonstrated that the Lubelskie region is ready to deliver events of the highest standard, with scale, professionalism and genuine hospitality. I congratulate the organisers and am pleased that we could be part of this important event,” said Magdalena Krucz, President of the Polish Tourism Organisation.
Low Sensory Show Room – a space that invites pause
During Connect Aviation, the Polish Tourism Organisation premiered its Low Sensory Show Room relaxation zone. From the very first hours, it was clear that this concept responded to real needs within contemporary industry events.
At the heart of an intensive three-day programme filled with meetings, discussions and inspiration, a space was created to allow participants to decompress, recharge and take a moment before their next business conversation.
This initiative demonstrated that modern events are not only about efficiency and networking, but also about participant well-being and embracing neurodiversity. The Low Sensory Show Room became a symbol of a responsible approach to event design. Over the three days, the zone was visited by more than 100 participants.
A strong voice in the debate on the future of the industry
On 18 February, Aneta Książek, Head of the Poland Convention Bureau, took part in the panel discussion “Tourism & Aviation – Winning Partnerships for Growth”. Her contribution focused on the synergy between tourism and aviation as a key driver of growth.
The presentation highlighted cooperation with LOT Polish Airlines under the National Support Programme for the Meetings Industry, as well as the Spotlight on Poland and Buy Poland initiatives, projects designed to strengthen Poland’s international recognition as a destination for meetings and events. The presence of PCB POT in the panel underlined that effective route development and MICE market growth require strategic partnerships and a coherent, long-term vision.
Accessibility as a genuine business opportunity
The closing highlight of the collaboration with the Polish Tourism Organisation was a compelling keynote entitled “Accessibility as a Business Opportunity for the Tourism and Meeting Industry”. Łukasz Wysocki, President of the Gdańsk Tourism Organisation – Visit Gdansk, and Filip Wysocki delivered a personal yet distinctly business-focused perspective on accessibility in air travel.
Their presentation demonstrated that accessibility is not solely a matter of corporate social responsibility or brand image. It represents a tangible competitive advantage and an opportunity for growth across the entire industry. The speakers drew attention to the barriers still faced by people with disabilities, emphasising that the world is there to be explored by everyone, and that the role of the tourism and aviation sectors is to open that world wisely, responsibly and without barriers.
As Aneta Książek, Head of the Poland Convention Bureau, concluded:
“Partnership is fundamental. I am pleased that our premiere presentation of the Low Sensory Show Room aligned so well with Connect Aviation, and that Mr Wysocki and his son Filip addressed such an important topic, contributing to a different perception of disability. I must admit that I was particularly struck by Filip’s comparison of his legs, meaning his electric wheelchair, being treated by airlines and airport handling services as unwanted baggage that could be removed from the aircraft, despite meeting certification requirements and holding an IATA certificate. Accessibility and equal treatment are so important that the Wysockis have been invited by the French organiser to speak at the next edition of the event. I believe that, alongside the reputational success for Lublin and the Lubelskie region, welcoming over 800 participants from more than 50 countries as new ambassadors of the Poland brand, and the potential for new connections for Lublin Airport ahead of the European Capital of Culture 2029 celebrations, it is precisely the theme of accessibility and neurodiversity that will remain the true legacy of Connect Aviation 2026.”
Lublin – a city ready for the world
Connect Aviation 2026 demonstrated that Lublin and the region offer not only modern infrastructure, but also the organisational expertise and partnerships required to deliver events of international standing. The city’s hospitality and the professionalism of local institutions provide a strong foundation for further ambitious projects.
Through initiatives such as these, Lublin is strengthening its international profile while building long-term relationships and creating tangible development opportunities for both the aviation industry and the wider meetings sector. The Poland Convention Bureau consistently supports events that combine business with values, innovation with responsibility, and local identity with global reach.
More information about Lublin can be found in the article: Meetings Star Award for the Lublin Conference Centre.
The event was organised by The Airport Agency, the Lubelskie Voivodeship and the City of Lublin.
Co-organisers and supporting partners included Lublin Airport, the Centre for the Meeting of Cultures, the Lubelskie Regional Tourism Organisation – Lubelskie Convention Bureau, the Local Tourism Organisation Metropolia Lublin, the Lublin Conference Centre and the Polish Tourism Organisation together with the Poland Convention Bureau (PCB POT).
Source: own elaboration (Aneta Książek)
