INDIA: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced that the 81st IATA Annual General Meeting (AGM) and World Air Transport Summit will be held in Delhi, India, in June 2025. Indian carrier IndiGo will serve as the host airline for the event, marking a significant moment for the country’s growing aviation industry.
India to Host IATA Summit After Over 40 Years
India is set to host the 81st Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the World Air Transport Summit from 1-3rd June 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, Delhi marking a significant return after more than four decades. The event will take place in the national capital. This will be the third time India has hosted the prestigious gathering, with previous editions held in 1958 and 1983.
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Former Union Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia posted on X, “Proud moment for Indian aviation as we march ahead to host the 81st IATA Annual General Meeting (AGM) and World Air Transport Summit in June 2025. Under PM Narendra Modi Ji’s leadership, the sector has grown tremendously with a record passenger count, development of world-class infrastructure, enhanced regional connectivity and historic aircraft orders.“
“Certain that this will provide national and international stakeholders a platform to further explore the Indian aviation market and open new avenues for collaboration and sustainability”, he further added.
The gathering of global airline leaders returns to India’s capital after more than 40 years, reflecting the country’s rapidly expanding role in international air travel. The event is expected to bring together top executives from IATA’s 300+ member airlines, along with key stakeholders across the aviation sector.
“We look forward to gathering the aviation industry in Delhi, India’s gateway city, for the 81st IATA AGM in 2025,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General. “It’s been over four decades since the industry came together for an IATA AGM in Delhi. With record aircraft orders, impressive growth, and world-class infrastructure developments, India is firmly on the trajectory to become the world’s third largest aviation market within this decade. With such bright prospects, it’s the perfect time for the IATA AGM to return to India and witness these exciting developments first hand.”
Pieter Elbers, CEO of IndiGo, welcomed the opportunity to showcase India’s aviation ambitions on the world stage.
“IndiGo is proud to be host airline for the 81st IATA AGM and looks forward to welcoming the global aviation community to Delhi in 2025,” said Elbers. “India, becoming the third largest economy within the next few years and leading the fourth industrial revolution with the use of AI, is a nation on the move. India’s rise in the global aviation landscape over the last years has been nothing short of remarkable.”
Elbers added that the airline, which has been operational since 2006, has been instrumental in both domestic and international expansion.
“Building on aviation as a force for good and India’s unique diversity, we are looking forward to engaging in meaningful dialogues aimed at sculpting the global aviation landscape around important topics such as safety, diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as sustainability, while efficiently delivering the growing global demand for air travel,” he said.
81st IATA AGM and World Air Transport Summit to Address Industry Challenges
The 81st Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the World Air Transport Summit (WATS) will bring together top leadership from airlines, the aviation value chain, and governments. The high-level gathering comes at a time when the aviation industry is navigating a complex and rapidly evolving landscape marked by operational, business, and geopolitical challenges.
The announcement underscores India’s increasing prominence in global aviation, driven by strong passenger growth, rising middle-class demand, and significant investment in airport and airline infrastructure.
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