NEWS
SSP and Travel Food Services lend heavyweight support as joint Diamond & Lanyard Partners for FAB 2026
INDIA. SSP and Travel Food Services have bolstered the partner line-up for the Airport Food & Beverage (FAB) + Hospitality Conference & Awards, signing on as joint Diamond & Lanyard Partners for the event in Bengaluru on 7-8 July.
Owned and organised by The Moodie Davitt Report, this year’s event will be hosted by Bangalore International Airport Limited.
The only global airport food & beverage and hospitality event will bring together senior executives from airports, food & beverage concessionaires and hospitality service providers, as well as other business partners from around the world.
The highly anticipated annual industry gathering will culminate in the FAB Awards Ceremony during the Gala Dinner on 8 July, with the FAB Superstars winners to be unveiled earlier during the conference.
A global leader in F&B services, SSP Group is a longstanding partner of the event.
The company has expanded steadily over the years and now operates across travel hubs worldwide, with 49,000 employees in more than 3,000 outlets across 38 markets.
SSP Group CEO Patrick Coveney said, “FAB is one of the most important gatherings for the global travel food sector, bringing together partners and innovators shaping the future of food and hospitality in travel.
“As food travel experts, SSP operates in nearly 40 countries, serving millions of people every day through a portfolio of global brands and locally inspired concepts tailored for airports and transport hubs. Our focus is simple: great food and warm hospitality that make every journey taste better.
“With this year’s event taking place in India, one of the fastest-growing travel markets in the world, we’re delighted to support FAB as a Diamond sponsor alongside our partner Travel Food Services.
“Through our partnership with TFS, we operate over 450 outlets across India’s busiest airports and see strong long-term growth opportunities in this important market.
“FAB is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the creativity and innovation shaping our industry, and we look forward to working with our partners and clients to shape the future of food and hospitality in travel.”
Also a long-time FAB partner, TFS has established itself as a leading force in India’s airport quick-service restaurant and lounge market.
Backed by SSP Group and K Hospitality Corp (Kapur family), TFS launched its initial public offering in July and currently manages a network of more than 530 units spanning 140 brands.
Travel Food Services Managing Director and CEO Varun Kapur added: “We are delighted to continue our association with the FAB Conference & Awards in 2026 as Diamond & Lanyard Partner alongside SSP. It is especially meaningful to welcome the global travel hospitality community to India and to Bengaluru.
“We hope delegates experience the warmth of Indian hospitality and transit through Kempegowda International Airport, one of the finest airports in the world.
“At Travel Food Services, we operate across both lounges and airport F&B with a deep sense of passion and a strong focus on innovation and operational excellence, constantly striving to enhance the traveller experience.
“In that context, FAB is an invaluable platform that brings together industry leaders to share best practices, explore new ideas, and advance standards of excellence across our sector.
“As the role of F&B in airports continues to evolve into a key driver of passenger experience and commercial success, we look forward to engaging with our peers and contributing to the conversations shaping the future of travel hospitality.”
The FAB 2026 edition marks the event’s 15th anniversary and, for the first time, will embrace the new ‘Airport Hospitality World’ title, dedicated to lounges and all related airport hospitality services.
The sensory room in Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru Terminal 2 provides a calming, engaging and therapeutic environment for individuals with sensory sensitivities
Besides lounges, hotels, Meet & Greet, concierge services and more, FAB 2026 will also include a historic inclusion element, inspired by Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru’s recent introduction of a pioneering Sensory Room, a thoughtfully designed space tailored for neurodivergent passengers and individuals with sensory sensitivities.
The full speaker programme will be announced in the coming weeks.
For general enquiries on FAB, please contact Vincci Chung, Head of Events at Vincci@moodiedavittreport.com.
The Moodie Davitt Report is the leading international information source on India’s travel retail and airport non-aeronautical revenue sectors. All stories are archived permanently in our India newsroom (accessed via the regional section on our home page drop-down menu). We are also proud to have launched India Curated, the newest addition to our hugely successful collection of market- or sector-specific newsletters. To advertise, please contact Irene Revilla at Irene@MoodieDavittReport.com. To subscribe free of charge, please email Kristyn Branisel at Kristyn@MoodieDavittReport.com
Out now: Leading Indian data management solutions company Voiceback Analytics has partnered with The Moodie Davitt Report on a major new study of Indian global travellers’ shopping habits. To ensure rich and actionable insights, Voiceback Analytics conducted 1,000 interviews at major international airports across India with fieldwork and analysis conducted in June, July and August 2025. To order a copy of the report or for more details, please email Irene Revilla at Irene@MoodieDavittReport.com.
FAB Awards and FAB Superstars: Only three weeks left to submit entries
INDIA. Entries for the eagerly anticipated Airport Food & Beverage (FAB) + Hospitality Awards and FAB Superstars Awards are still open, with the 10 April deadline fast approaching.
Nominations may now be submitted through our dedicated website until the closing date.
The FAB Awards mark the culmination of The Moodie Davitt Report’s Airport FAB + Hospitality Conference, taking place 7-8 July in Bengaluru.
Hosted by Bangalore International Airport Limited, the 2026 edition marks the event’s 15th anniversary and, for the first time, will embrace the new ‘Airport Hospitality World’ title, dedicated to lounges and all related airport hospitality services.
FAB Superstars winners will be announced during the conference, while recipients of the FAB Awards will be revealed at the Awards Ceremony during the Gala Dinner on 8 July.
The Airport FAB + Hospitality Conference & Awards encompass all aspects of airport food & beverage, lounges and related hospitality services.
As announced in May, FAB 2026 will extend its reach beyond lounges to include hotels, Meet & Greet, concierge services and other hospitality touchpoints, recognising their integral role in shaping the overall airport experience.
From beautiful Barcelona to vibrant Bengaluru: At the FAB 2025 handover ceremony, Bangalore International Airport Limited Vice President of Commercial Development, Pravat Paikray (left), accepted the hosting rights for FAB 2026 from Barcelona-El Prat Josep Tarradellas Airport Managing Director Eva Valenzuela (second right). As part of the ceremony, Paikray honoured Valenzuela, along with The Moodie Davitt Report Founder & Chairman Martin Moodie and President Dermot Davitt, with traditional garlands from Bengaluru.
The event will also feature a landmark inclusivity initiative inspired by Kempegowda International Airport’s pioneering Sensory Room, a purpose-built space designed to support neurodivergent passengers and travellers with sensory sensitivities.
The prestigious FAB Awards also honour those who have made a positive impact through Environmental, Social and Governance initiatives.
All entries will be assessed by an independent panel of judges comprising relevant experts and professionals.
The eligibility period is from 1 March 2025 to 28 February 2026. Full details about each category, submission requirements and assessment criteria are available via the dedicated website.
For the FAB Awards, a nominal fee of US$249 per submission is payable via the portal.
For the FAB Superstars, a nominal fee of US$99 per submission is payable via the portal.
For general enquiries on FAB, please contact Vincci Chung, Head of Events at Vincci@moodiedavittreport.com.
Out now: Leading Indian data management solutions company Voiceback Analytics has partnered with The Moodie Davitt Report on a major new study of Indian global travellers’ shopping habits. To ensure rich and actionable insights, Voiceback Analytics conducted 1,000 interviews at major international airports across India with fieldwork and analysis conducted in June, July and August 2025. To order a copy of the report or for more details, please email Irene Revilla at Irene@MoodieDavittReport.com.
FAB 2026 Bengaluru event gains momentum with BTA Food & Services as Platinum Partner
INDIA. TAV Airports subsidiary BTA Food & Services has signed up as Platinum Partner for the Airport Food & Beverage (FAB) + Hospitality Conference & Awards to be held on 7-8 July in Bengaluru.
Owned and organised by The Moodie Davitt Report, this year’s event will be hosted by Bangalore International Airport Limited.
The only global airport food & beverage and hospitality event will bring together senior executives from airports, food & beverage concessionaires and hospitality service providers, as well as other business partners from around the world.
The highly anticipated annual industry gathering will culminate in the FAB Awards Ceremony during the Gala Dinner on 8 July, with the FAB Superstars winners unveiled earlier during the conference.
Founded in 1999, BTA operates global-standard food & beverage services across 16 airports in Türkiye, Georgia, Macedonia, Tunisia, Oman, Latvia, Croatia and Kazakhstan. The company also operates its Cakes & Bakes production facility, manages a hotel, offers in-flight and passenger lounge catering, and travel retail services.
BTA Food & Services CEO Baha Bülbül said, “We are pleased to sponsor FAB once again and support this leading event celebrating outstanding achievements across our industry.”
The FAB 2026 edition marks the event’s 15th anniversary and, for the first time, will embrace the new ‘Airport Hospitality World’ title, dedicated to lounges and all related airport hospitality services.
Besides lounges, hotels, Meet & Greet, concierge services and more, FAB 2026 will also include a historic inclusion element, inspired by Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru’s recent introduction of a pioneering Sensory Room, a thoughtfully designed space tailored for neurodivergent passengers and individuals with sensory sensitivities.
The full speaker programme will be announced in the coming weeks.
For general enquiries on FAB, please contact Vincci Chung, Head of Events at Vincci@moodiedavittreport.com.
The Moodie Davitt Report is the leading international information source on India’s travel retail and airport non-aeronautical revenue sectors. All stories are archived permanently in our India newsroom (accessed via the regional section on our home page drop-down menu). We are also proud to have launched India Curated, the newest addition to our hugely successful collection of market- or sector-specific newsletters. To advertise, please contact Irene Revilla at Irene@MoodieDavittReport.com. To subscribe free of charge, please email Kristyn Branisel at Kristyn@MoodieDavittReport.com
Out now: Leading Indian data management solutions company Voiceback Analytics has partnered with The Moodie Davitt Report on a major new study of Indian global travellers’ shopping habits. To ensure rich and actionable insights, Voiceback Analytics conducted 1,000 interviews at major international airports across India with fieldwork and analysis conducted in June, July and August 2025. To order a copy of the report or for more details, please email Irene Revilla at Irene@MoodieDavittReport.com.
Don’t miss out: Entry deadline fast approaching for FAB Awards and FAB Superstars
INDIA. The Airport Food & Beverage (FAB) + Hospitality Awards and FAB Superstars Awards continue to build momentum, with entries encouraged as the 10 April submission deadline nears.
Nominations may now be submitted through our dedicated website until the closing date.
The FAB Awards mark the culmination of The Moodie Davitt Report’s Airport FAB + Hospitality Conference, taking place 7-8 July in Bengaluru.
Hosted by Bangalore International Airport Limited, the 2026 edition marks the event’s 15th anniversary and, for the first time, will embrace the new ‘Airport Hospitality World’ title, dedicated to lounges and all related airport hospitality services.
FAB Superstars winners will be announced during the conference, while recipients of the FAB Awards will be revealed at the Awards Ceremony during the Gala Dinner on 8 July.
The Airport FAB + Hospitality Conference & Awards encompass all aspects of airport food & beverage, lounges and related hospitality services.
As announced in May, FAB 2026 will extend its reach beyond lounges to include hotels, Meet & Greet, concierge services and other hospitality touchpoints, recognising their integral role in shaping the overall airport experience.
From beautiful Barcelona to vibrant Bengaluru: At the FAB 2025 handover ceremony, Bangalore International Airport Limited Vice President of Commercial Development, Pravat Paikray (left), accepted the hosting rights for FAB 2026 from Barcelona-El Prat Josep Tarradellas Airport Managing Director Eva Valenzuela (second right). As part of the ceremony, Paikray honoured Valenzuela, along with The Moodie Davitt Report Founder & Chairman Martin Moodie and President Dermot Davitt, with traditional garlands from Bengaluru.
The event will also feature a landmark inclusivity initiative inspired by Kempegowda International Airport’s pioneering Sensory Room, a purpose-built space designed to support neurodivergent passengers and travellers with sensory sensitivities.
The prestigious FAB Awards also honour those who have made a positive impact through Environmental, Social and Governance initiatives.
All entries will be assessed by an independent panel of judges comprising relevant experts and professionals.
The eligibility period is from 1 March 2025 to 28 February 2026. Full details about each category, submission requirements and assessment criteria are available via the dedicated website.
For the FAB Awards, a nominal fee of US$249 per submission is payable via the portal.
For the FAB Superstars, a nominal fee of US$99 per submission is payable via the portal.
For general enquiries on FAB, please contact Vincci Chung, Head of Events at Vincci@moodiedavittreport.com.
Out now: Leading Indian data management solutions company Voiceback Analytics has partnered with The Moodie Davitt Report on a major new study of Indian global travellers’ shopping habits. To ensure rich and actionable insights, Voiceback Analytics conducted 1,000 interviews at major international airports across India with fieldwork and analysis conducted in June, July and August 2025. To order a copy of the report or for more details, please email Irene Revilla at Irene@MoodieDavittReport.com.
Early Bird registration opens for Airport FAB + Hospitality Conference & Awards 2026
INDIA. Registration has opened for the eagerly anticipated Airport FAB + Hospitality Conference & Awards 2026, taking place on 7-8 July in Bengaluru.
Delegates can access the registration portal via the dedicated website.
An Early Bird delegate pass for US$1,500 is available until 30 April, with the standard registration fee rising to US$1,700 after the deadline. As part of our commitment to industry engagement, airport delegates are eligible for an attractive -50% discount on both the Early Bird and regular registration fees.
Hosted by Bangalore International Airport Limited, the 2026 edition marks the event’s 15th anniversary and, for the first time, will embrace the new ‘Airport Hospitality World’ title, dedicated to lounges and all related airport hospitality services.
From beautiful Barcelona to vibrant Bengaluru: At the FAB 2025 handover ceremony, Bangalore International Airport Limited Vice President of Commercial Development, Pravat Paikray (left), accepted the hosting rights for FAB 2026 from Barcelona-El Prat Josep Tarradellas Airport Managing Director Eva Valenzuela (second right). As part of the ceremony, Paikray honoured Valenzuela, along with The Moodie Davitt Report Founder & Chairman Martin Moodie and President Dermot Davitt, with traditional garlands from Bengaluru.
The Moodie Davitt Report event will encompass all aspects of airport food & beverage, lounges and related hospitality services.
As announced in May, FAB 2026 will extend its reach beyond lounges to include hotels, Meet & Greet, concierge services and other hospitality touchpoints, recognising their integral role in shaping the overall airport experience.
The sensory room in Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru Terminal 2 provides a calming, engaging and therapeutic environment for travellers with sensory sensitivities
The event will also feature a landmark inclusivity initiative inspired by International Airport’s pioneering Sensory Room, a purpose-built space designed to support neurodivergent passengers and travellers with sensory sensitivities.
For general enquiries on FAB, please contact Vincci Chung, Associate Director, Events at Vincci@moodiedavittreport.com.
Out now: Leading Indian data management solutions company Voiceback Analytics has partnered with The Moodie Davitt Report on a major new study of Indian global travellers’ shopping habits. To ensure rich and actionable insights, Voiceback Analytics conducted 1,000 interviews at major international airports across India with fieldwork and analysis conducted in June, July and August 2025. To order a copy of the report or for more details, please email Irene Revilla at Irene@MoodieDavittReport.com.
Call for entries: FAB Awards and FAB Superstars Awards submissions open with 10 April deadline
INDIA. The Moodie Davitt Report is pleased to announce that submissions are now open for the highly anticipated Airport Food & Beverage (FAB) + Hospitality Awards and FAB Superstars Awards.
Nominations may now be submitted through our dedicated website until the closing date of 10 April.
The FAB Awards will serve as the culmination of The Moodie Davitt Report’s Airport FAB + Hospitality Conference, taking place on 7-8 July in Bengaluru.
Hosted by Bangalore International Airport Limited, the 2026 edition marks the event’s 15th anniversary and, for the first time, will embrace the new ‘Airport Hospitality World’ title, dedicated to lounges and all related airport hospitality services.
From beautiful Barcelona to vibrant Bengaluru: At the FAB 2025 handover ceremony, Bangalore International Airport Limited Vice President of Commercial Development, Pravat Paikray (left), accepted the hosting rights for FAB 2026 from Barcelona-El Prat Josep Tarradellas Airport Managing Director Eva Valenzuela (second right). As part of the ceremony, Paikray honoured Valenzuela, along with The Moodie Davitt Report Founder & Chairman Martin Moodie and President Dermot Davitt, with traditional garlands from Bengaluru.
FAB Superstars winners will be announced during the conference, while recipients of the FAB Awards will be revealed at the Awards Ceremony during the Gala Dinner on 8 July.
The Airport FAB + Hospitality Conference & Awards encompass all aspects of airport food & beverage, lounges and related hospitality services.
As announced in May, FAB 2026 will extend its reach beyond lounges to include hotels, Meet & Greet, concierge services and other hospitality touchpoints, recognising their integral role in shaping the overall airport experience.
The event will also feature a landmark inclusivity initiative inspired by Kempegowda International Airport’s pioneering Sensory Room, a purpose-built space designed to support neurodivergent passengers and travellers with sensory sensitivities.
The sensory room in Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru Terminal 2 provides a calming, engaging and therapeutic environment for travellers with sensory sensitivities
The prestigious FAB Awards also honour those who have made a positive impact through Environmental, Social and Governance initiatives.
All entries will be assessed by an independent panel of judges comprising relevant experts and professionals.
FAB Awards 2026 categories:
Airport ‘Food to Go’ Offer of the Year
Airport Bar or Pub of the Year
– Airport < 20M passengers
– Airport ≥ 20M passengers
Airport Casual-Dining Restaurant of the Year
– Airport < 20M passengers
– Airport ≥ 20M passengers
Airport Coffee or Tea Shop of the Year
Airport Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Initiative of the Year
Airport Food & Beverage Best New Digital Innovation
Airport Food & Beverage Marketing Campaign of the Year
Airport Food Hall of the Year
Airport Health and Wellness-Centred Offer of the Year
Airport Instagrammable Location of the Year
Airport Lounge Food & Beverage Offer of the Year
Airport Lounge of the Year
Airport Lounge Opening of the Year
Airport Restaurant Design of the Year
Airport Sustainability & Environmental Initiative of the Year
Airport Food & Beverage Offer Best Representing Sense of Place
Airport Food & Beverage Opening of the Year
Airport Food & Beverage Offer of the Year
The eligibility period is from 1 March 2025 to 28 February 2026. Full details about each category, submission requirements and assessment criteria are available via the dedicated website.
For the FAB Awards, a nominal fee of US$249 per submission is payable via the portal.
For general enquiries on FAB, please contact Vincci Chung, Associate Director, Events at Vincci@moodiedavittreport.com.
Out now: Leading Indian data management solutions company Voiceback Analytics has partnered with The Moodie Davitt Report on a major new study of Indian global travellers’ shopping habits. To ensure rich and actionable insights, Voiceback Analytics conducted 1,000 interviews at major international airports across India with fieldwork and analysis conducted in June, July and August 2025. To order a copy of the report or for more details, please email Irene Revilla at Irene@MoodieDavittReport.com.
AIRPORT INCLUSIVITY WORLD
This story forms part of our Airport Inclusivity World coverage, the latest addition to our diverse, market-leading travel retail and airport non-aeronautical revenues content.
Airport Inclusivity World embraces a wide array of key subjects including airport Accessibility, Diversity, Equity, Inclusivity and Mobility.
With the World Health Organization estimating that 1.3 billion people – about one in six worldwide – experience significant disability, we see this subject as a key element in our world-leading passenger experience content.
More widely, we regard airports as a crossroads of humanity, gateways of the world that theoretically are unshackled by class, cultural, racial, religious, gender, age, nationality or sexual orientation barriers. We feel a deep commitment to and responsibility for championing and advancing that status.
Keep an eye out for our Airport Inclusivity World LinkedIn newsletter, coming soon.
Read the permanently archived website stories from our Airport Inclusivity World coverage here.
Please send relevant material, including images, to Martin Moodie at Martin@MoodieDavittReport.com for instant, quality global coverage.
Mitti Café Founder & CEO, the inspirational Alina Alam, to deliver FAB keynote speech in Bengaluru
The irrepressible Alina Alam, founder not just of an extraordinary food & beverage chain but also a movement
INDIA. Alina Alam, Founder & CEO of Mitti Café in India, will be a keynote speaker at The Moodie Davitt Report’s Airport Food & Beverage (FAB) + Hospitality Conference and Awards to be held in Bengaluru on 7-8 July 2026, hosted by Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru.
Mitti Café is part of Mitti Social Services Foundation, a wonderful social enterprise dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities by providing them with opportunities for economic independence and dignity.
Mitti Social Services Foundation creates employment by hiring and training team members in its cafés across airports and other public institutions. The first Mitti Café was opened at Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR), a breakthrough that has led to other airport openings, including two more at BLR.
At the Airport Food & Beverage (FAB) + Hospitality Awards in Ontario, California, Alina Alam and Bangalore International Airport Limited were awarded the FAB Humanitarian Award for their joint initiative. Alina Alam was also named one of The Moodie Davitt Report’s People of the Year for 2024.
FAB Founder, The Moodie Davitt Report Chairman Martin Moodie, said, “We are so honoured to have Alina grace FAB 2026 as a keynote speaker. Alina started Mitti Café at just 23 with a powerful dream: to show the world the magic of abilities, not the supposed limitations of so-called disability.
“I first heard her speak during a Bangalore International Airport Limited workshop in June 2024 and like everyone in the room was deeply moved by Alina’s guts, courage, compassion and unwavering determination to make a difference. Her dream has come true but she is far from finished yet as the FAB audience will discover.
“Alina is a role model for compassion and inclusion in our industry and I am sure that delegates to FAB 2026 will be both moved and insipired by her presence and passion.”
Alina Alam: “People with intellectual disabilities may be slow but they are perfectionists in whatever they do. Their strength lies in doing everything from the heart. They think from their heart and act from their heart.”
How Mitti Café is making a difference all across India
Click on the image to open our recent FAB eZine, which celebrates the Airport Food & Beverage (FAB) + Hospitality Conference & Awards held in Barcelona on 25-26 June
Dates confirmed for Airport Food & Beverage + Hospitality Conference and Awards 2026
INDIA. The Moodie Davitt Report is delighted to announce that the 2026 Airport Food & Beverage (FAB) + Hospitality Conference and Awards will take place on 7-8 July in Bengaluru for another landmark edition, marking the event’s 15th anniversary.
Owned and organised by The Moodie Davitt Report, this year’s event will be hosted by Bangalore International Airport Limited.
Bangalore International Airport Limited CCO Kenneth Guldbjerg said, “Having experienced the energy and impact of FAB in past editions, we are proud to welcome the global airport F&B community to Bengaluru for FAB 2026.
“This is an incredible opportunity for us to present BLR Airport as a destination driving new guest experience concepts and industry synergy, and we look forward to hosting an event that will inspire, connect and create lasting memories.”
The premier industry event will bring together top executives from airports, food & beverage concessionaires and hospitality service providers, as well as other business partners worldwide.
As reported, FAB will for the first time embrace our new ‘Airport Hospitality World’ title dedicated to lounges and all related airport hospitality services.
The sensory room in Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru Terminal 2 provides a calming, engaging and therapeutic environment for individuals with sensory sensitivities
Research in sensory regulation and occupational therapy indicates that even brief periods (15-30 minutes) in a calming, sensory-friendly environment can significantly alleviate feelings of being overwhelmed and enhance well-being, making travel smoother and more manageable
FAB 2026 will take on an extended form, featuring an exhibition and the ultimate one-stop airport hospitality and food & beverage conference and awards platform.
Besides lounges, hotels, Meet & Greet, concierge services and more, FAB 2026 will also include a historic inclusion element, inspired by Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru’s recent introduction of a pioneering Sensory Room, a thoughtfully designed space tailored for neurodivergent passengers and individuals with sensory sensitivities.
The full speaker programme, featuring industry-leading voices, will be announced in the coming weeks.
Please email Kristyn@MoodieDavittReport.com for your complimentary subscription.
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