The International Air Transport Association (IATA) today announced that leaders of the global aviation industry are set to gather in New Delhi, India, for the 81st IATA Annual General Meeting (AGM) and World Air Transport Summit (WATS), taking place from June 1-3, 2025. This significant event marks the return of the IATA AGM to India after a 42-year hiatus, last held in the country in 1983.
India’s Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, is expected to deliver a keynote address to the delegates, underscoring the nation’s growing importance in the global aviation landscape. IndiGo, India’s leading airline, is the proud host of the event. Approximately 1,700 participants are registered to attend, including prominent industry leaders, government officials, and international media.
“We are excited to bring the IATA AGM to India after a 42-year gap. India’s place in global aviation has changed dramatically, particularly over the last decade,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General. “The country has seen record aircraft orders, impressive growth, and world-class infrastructure developments. The AGM will allow aviation leaders and journalists from around the world to witness first-hand how India’s rapidly modernizing and expanding aviation sector is contributing to the country’s overall economic and social development.”
India’s aviation industry is a significant economic contributor, directly employing 369,700 people and generating $5.6 billion of GDP. When indirect, induced, and tourism impacts are included, these figures soar to 7.7 million jobs and $53.6 billion of GDP, representing 1.5% of the national economy.
Pieter Elbers, CEO of IndiGo and Chair of the IATA Board of Governors, expressed his enthusiasm: “As the host airline of the 81st IATA Annual General Meeting, IndiGo warmly welcomes the global airline community to India. Aviation is a powerful force for good worldwide, and that is particularly evident in India. India’s aviation market is rapidly thriving while significantly contributing to the country’s socio-economic growth, and IndiGo is at the forefront of this upward trajectory. IndiGo is proud to invite the IATA AGM back to India, and we look forward to showcasing the exciting developments in this market and the warm hospitality of India during this global mega-event. This is India’s time!”
World Air Transport Summit (WATS)
Immediately following the AGM, the World Air Transport Summit (WATS) will address critical issues shaping the future of the aviation industry.
“The AGM is always a moment for the industry to reflect and regroup in the face of enormous economic, geopolitical, and technological forces ahead,” added Walsh. “I’m confident this gathering will deliver value to our stakeholders and strengthen our commitment to progress and collaboration.”
A highlight of the WATS will be the popular CEO Panel, moderated by CNN’s Richard Quest, featuring:
- Pieter Elbers, CEO, IndiGo
- Joanna Geraghty, CEO, JetBlue
- Adrian Neuhauser, CEO, Abra Group
- Richard Smith, COO International, and CEO Airline, FedEx
Key topics to be addressed during the WATS include:
- The financial outlook for the airline industry
- How India is strategically using aviation to drive development
- The relationship between energy security, renewable energy, and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production
- Financing aviation net zero
- The cost of payment and potential innovations
- The view of the Chief Operations Officer
