The International Air Transport Association (IATA) today announced that its 82nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in June 2026. The event will be hosted by LATAM Airlines Group.
The return to Rio de Janeiro marks the first time in over two decades that the IATA AGM will be held in South America, with the last occasion also being in Rio in 1999.
Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming event. “We are excited to accept LATAM’s offer to host IATA’s 82nd AGM in Rio de Janeiro. It will be a great opportunity to take stock of changes over two decades of development that have seen strengthening air connectivity successfully support major world events like the FIFA World Cup and the Olympics. By meeting in the largest aviation market in South America, the AGM will highlight the great potential for aviation to be an even more powerful strategic force driving social and economic prosperity.”
Roberto Alvo, CEO of LATAM Airlines Group, echoed this sentiment. “LATAM is proud to host the IATA AGM in Brazil in 2026, the main market for our airline group connecting South America to the world. In addition to facilitating a successful gathering of our industry leaders, we look forward to showcasing the contributions and enormous potential for aviation in Brazil and throughout South America. We are confident that Rio de Janeiro, one of the most spectacular cities in the world with its unparalleled hospitality and beauty, will ensure a warm welcome and a memorable experience for all attendees.”
LATAM Airlines Group plays a crucial role in connecting people and cultures across South America and beyond, serving 153 destinations in 27 countries. In 2024, the airline group transported a record 82 million passengers and achieved significant milestones in fleet modernization and environmental sustainability.
Hosting the IATA AGM in Rio de Janeiro also recognizes Brazil’s rich aviation history, which includes the pioneering efforts of Alberto Santos-Dumont. Celebrated as one of the fathers of aviation, his historic flight in 1906 was a significant milestone in the development of powered flight globally.
