The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced that the upcoming IATA Aviation Day Middle East and North Africa (MENA) will focus on key industry advancements, including digitalization, airspace management, sustainability, modern airline retailing, and the development of future skills. The event will be held in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, on May 6-7, 2025, and will be hosted by Saudia.
“Aviation serves as a vital catalyst for economic and social development—driving trade, boosting tourism, and creating jobs,” said Kamil Alawadhi, IATA’s Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East. “The MENA region is experiencing rapid growth, with passenger traffic expected to double by 2040. To fully capitalize on this potential, the region must focus on the enablers of future success: digitalization, airspace management, sustainability, modern airline retailing, and workforce development.”
This will be the first time that Aviation Day MENA is held in Saudi Arabia, underscoring the country’s role as a key player in the aviation industry. “It is fitting that this event takes place in a nation where aviation is recognized as a cornerstone of economic growth and modernization,” Alawadhi added.
H.E. Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, expressed his enthusiasm about hosting the event in Jeddah, one of Saudia’s key hubs. “We are thrilled to welcome industry leaders at a time of unprecedented growth and transformation in Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector. With safety, innovation, and sustainability at the forefront, IATA Aviation Day MENA will serve as a critical platform to showcase how Saudi Vision 2030 is shaping the future of aviation—not just in the Kingdom but across the region and beyond. We look forward to engaging with our aviation partners to exchange ideas, discover new opportunities, and solidify the region’s position as a vital hub connecting East and West.”
Speakers and Sessions
The event will feature a lineup of prominent speakers, including Kamil Alawadhi and Nick Careen, IATA’s Senior Vice President of Operations, Safety, and Security. They will be joined by other industry leaders, such as Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, President of the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA).
The conference will include keynote speeches, panel discussions, and presentations covering:
- Digitalization: Exploring the role of digital identity, contactless technology, and industry data in shaping the future of travel and air cargo.
- Airspace Management: Addressing safety and security challenges amid geopolitical uncertainties.
- Sustainability: Developing strategies for decarbonization, the production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), and reducing single-use plastics.
- Modern Airline Retailing: Leveraging customer-centric strategies and enhancing collaboration across the supply chain to unlock new opportunities.
- Future Skills: Investigating global and regional initiatives to attract, train, and retain the next generation of aviation professionals.
With these key topics on the agenda, IATA Aviation Day MENA 2025 promises to be a pivotal event for the future of aviation in the Middle East and North Africa.
