IATA Unveils 2026 Calendar: Aviation’s Big Challenges on Maintenance, Safety, and Sustainability Set to Take Center Stage in Madrid, Bahrain & More!

Published on December 9, 2025

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has revealed its comprehensive 2026 event calendar, which aims to bring together industry leaders and government representatives to address some of the most critical challenges faced by the air transport sector. These events are expected to be instrumental in shaping the future of aviation by providing a platform for decision-makers to collaborate on essential issues, ranging from sustainability and safety to digitalization and operational efficiency.

A Platform for Industry and Government Leaders

IATA’s global events are recognized for their ability to convene the most influential voices in the air transport industry. Through these gatherings, IATA aims to tackle significant challenges and opportunities, such as advancing the digitalization of cargo operations, developing affordable and widespread adoption of payment solutions, and facilitating the production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). According to Frederic Leger, Senior Vice President of IATA Products & Services, these events are designed to ensure that the right decision-makers are in the room to take action and drive meaningful change in the sector.

In 2025, IATA’s events attracted more than 11,000 industry professionals and government delegates, with a total of 16 events held globally. Looking ahead to 2026, the organization plans to expand its event schedule even further, introducing two new key events and expanding the number of global forums to 18. These gatherings are expected to play a crucial role in addressing both the current challenges facing the air transport sector and the emerging opportunities for growth.

Two New Major Events in 2026

The 2026 IATA event calendar will feature two exciting new additions, which will focus on critical aspects of the aviation sector.

1. IATA World Maintenance & Engineering Symposium (23-25 June, Madrid, Spain):
   This new event will address supply chain challenges in the aerospace industry, which have caused significant delays in the production of new aircraft and parts. In fact, the slowdown in the production process is expected to cost the industry a staggering USD 11 billion in 2025. This symposium will focus on identifying solutions to these ongoing issues, with key industry players coming together to discuss the future of aircraft maintenance and engineering.
2. Wings of Change Middle East & North Africa (8-9 September, Manama, Bahrain):
   The Middle East and North Africa region continues to experience rapid growth in the aviation sector, making it one of the fastest-growing markets globally. However, this growth brings with it evolving passenger expectations and increasing pressure to decarbonize the aviation industry. This event will bring together airline and government leaders from across the region to discuss how to address these pressing issues while ensuring the continued growth and success of the industry.

Other Key IATA Events in 2026

IATA’s 2026 calendar will also feature several major recurring events that will continue to shape the future of the air transport industry. These events will focus on the latest trends, developments, and innovations in aviation, with particular attention given to sustainability, digitalization, and safety.

1. World Cargo Symposium (10-12 March, Lima, Peru):
   One of IATA’s largest conferences, the World Cargo Symposium will focus on key issues affecting the global air cargo industry, including digitalization, sustainability, and safety. This event is expected to attract more than 1,900 attendees and will address the ongoing geopolitical shifts that are shaping the future of air cargo operations.
2. World Data Symposium (8-9 April, Singapore):
   Now in its second year, the World Data Symposium will delve into the growing reliance of the air transport sector on data and technology. Topics on the agenda will include the application of emerging technologies such as AI, machine learning, and robotics in aviation, as well as issues related to cybersecurity and global collaboration.
3. World Safety and Operations Conference (6-8 October, Istanbul, Türkiye):
   This conference, returning to Europe in 2026, will focus on the critical safety improvements needed to address emerging risks in aviation. Notable topics include the proliferation of lithium batteries carried by travelers and the challenges posed by GNSS interference in conflict zones. The event will provide a platform for safety experts to discuss and implement strategies for improving aviation safety standards.
4. World Sustainability Symposium (October, Brussels, Belgium):
   In 2026, the World Sustainability Symposium will bring together leaders from the aviation, energy, finance, and policy sectors to advance the industry’s commitment to achieving net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050. Key topics will include the financing of the energy transition, the production of SAF, and important policy developments affecting the aviation industry’s sustainability goals.
5. World Passenger Symposium (Q4 2026, TBC):
   This event will focus on how digital identity technologies are reshaping customer service and business operations in the airline industry. As airlines increasingly rely on digital solutions to enhance the passenger experience, this symposium will address the challenges and opportunities associated with these technologies.
6. World Financial Symposium (Q4 2026, TBC):
   The World Financial Symposium will provide a platform to discuss the upcoming financial transformation in the aviation sector. With new retail models and disruptive payment technologies on the horizon, this event will assess these changes and explore innovations that are transforming the financial landscape of the airline industry.

IATA’s Expanding Influence

The 2026 IATA event calendar is designed to address the full spectrum of issues facing the air transport industry. From sustainability and digitalization to safety and the evolution of payment technologies, these events will provide an important forum for collaboration and discussion among the leading voices in aviation. As the air transport industry continues to evolve, IATA’s role in facilitating dialogue and driving progress is more crucial than ever.