The International Air Transport Association (IATA) today announced its expanded event calendar for 2026, bringing together a crucial coalition of industry and government leaders to focus on the air transport industry’s most significant opportunities and challenges. Following a successful 2025 that attracted over 11,000 delegates, IATA is increasing its schedule to 18 events next year, including two new symposia designed to address critical, high-growth areas.
“Uniquely, IATA, through our global events, assembles the most influential voices across the industry to tackle air transport’s biggest challenges and opportunities,” said Frederic Leger, Senior Vice President, IATA Products & Services. “Whether taking the next step in digitalizing cargo operations, developing a common approach to adopting more economical payment solutions, or addressing the urgent need to unlock Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production, our events ensure that the right decision-makers are in the room to drive action.”
IATA is strategically launching two new events to address pressing industry needs and capitalize on market growth:
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IATA World Maintenance & Engineering Symposium (23-25 June, Madrid, Spain): This new event will directly confront the severe global supply chain challenges in the aerospace industry, which are causing delays in aircraft and parts production and are expected to cost the industry USD 11 billion in 2025. The symposium will spotlight these issues and focus on actionable solutions.
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Wings of Change Middle East & North Africa (8-9 September, Manama, Bahrain): Recognizing the Middle East and North Africa as one of the world’s fastest-growing markets, this event will convene airline and government leaders to navigate rapid expansion, evolving passenger expectations, and the increasing pressure to decarbonize the region’s air transport system.
The 2026 calendar features the return of IATA’s globally recognized flagship conferences:
| Event | Date & Location | Key Focus Areas |
| World Cargo Symposium | 10-12 March, Lima, Peru | Digitalization, sustainability, and safety/security amid unfolding geopolitical shifts. Expected to draw over 1,900 attendees. |
| World Data Symposium | 8-9 April, Singapore | The industry’s growing reliance on data, covering AI, machine learning, process automation, cybersecurity, and global collaboration. |
| World Safety and Operations Conference | 6-8 October, Istanbul, Türkiye | Enhancing safety amid emerging risks, including the proliferation of lithium batteries and GNSS interference near conflict zones. |
| World Sustainability Symposium | October, Brussels, Belgium | Advancing the commitment to net zero CO2 emissions by 2050. Topics include financing the energy transition, SAF production, and policy developments. |
| World Passenger Symposium | Q4 2026, TBC | How digital identity is fundamentally reshaping airline customer service and business operations. |
| World Financial Symposium | Q4 2026, TBC | Assessing the industry’s financial transformation, including new retail models and disruptive payment technologies. |
IATA’s commitment to providing a platform for collaboration and decisive action underscores its role in steering the air transport industry toward a sustainable, safe, and efficient future.
