The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has unveiled its 2026 events calendar, which it will organise to seek solutions to the most urgent issues in the air transport sector and to develop joint strategies on a global scale. Two new events have been added to the calendar this year, and strong participation from industry and government representatives is expected.
In his statement, Frederic Leger, IATA’s Senior Vice President for Products and Services, emphasised the critical role of global events in the transformation of the aviation industry. Leger said:
“Through its global events, IATA brings together the most influential leaders to address the greatest challenges and opportunities in air transport. From digitalisation to payment solutions, from sustainable fuel to the supply chain, these platforms are of great importance for prompting the right decision-makers into action.”
Bringing together more than 11,000 industry and government representatives at 16 events in 2025, IATA is increasing the number of events to 18 in 2026.
New Events Added to the 2026 Calendar
● IATA World Maintenance and Engineering Symposium
23–25 June, Madrid – Spain
Supply chain issues in the aviation and aerospace industry are delaying aircraft and component manufacturing, and this slowdown is expected to cause a loss of 11 billion dollars for the sector in 2025. The symposium will shed light on these critical issues and put forward solution proposals.
● Wings of Change Middle East and North Africa
8–9 September, Manama – Bahrain
The event, to be held in one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets, will address changing passenger expectations, sustainability, and the infrastructure needs driven by rapid growth.
Highlighted IATA Events of 2026
● World Cargo Symposium
10–12 March, Lima – Peru
With more than 1,900 participants, this is one of IATA’s largest events and will address digitalisation, sustainability, and safety in the global air cargo sector.
● World Data Symposium
8–9 April, Singapore
Organised within the context of the aviation industry’s increasing reliance on technologies such as artificial intelligence, automation, machine learning, and robotics, the event will also address cybersecurity and global data policies.
● World Safety and Operations Conference
6–8 October, Istanbul – Türkiye
The conference, which will once again be held in Europe, will focus on emerging risks such as the transport of lithium batteries and GNSS interference experienced on flights near conflict zones.
● World Sustainability Symposium
October, Brussels – Belgium
The aviation sector’s 2050 net-zero carbon target, energy transition investments, SAF production, and policy developments will be among the main agenda items of this event.
● World Passenger Symposium
Q4 2026 – Location TBA
The symposium will discuss how digital identity applications are transforming the passenger experience and airline operations.
● World Financial Symposium
Q4 2026 – Location TBA
Rapidly developing payment technologies, new retail approaches, and the effects of financial transformation in the sector will be brought to the agenda.
