India hosts aviation power meet

TDT | Manama

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India’s emergence as a global aviation force is taking centre stage this weekend as it plays host to one of the airline industry’s most significant events— the 81st Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the International Air Transport Association (IATA)..

Scheduled from June 1st to 3rd in New Delhi, the event marks the return of IATA’s flagship summit to Indian soil after a 42-year gap, last held in India in 1983.

Record attendance

More than 1,700 delegates, including top airline CEOs, government officials, and global media, are attending the AGM, which is being hosted by India’s leading carrier, IndiGo. India’s Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, is expected to deliver the keynote address, signalling high-level national endorsement of the gathering.

“We are excited to bring the IATA AGM to India after a 42-year gap,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General. “India’s place in global aviation has changed dramatically. The country has seen record aircraft orders, impressive growth, and world-class infrastructure developments.”

IndiGo in the lead

IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers, who also chairs the IATA Board of Governors, noted that the summit reflects India’s growing influence in global aviation. He said aviation is a powerful force for good worldwide and that this is particularly evident in India. IndiGo, he added, is proud to invite the IATA AGM back to India and showcase the country’s rapid progress in the sector.

India’s aviation industry directly employs over 369,000 people and contributes $5.6 billion to the economy. When factoring in indirect, induced, and tourism impacts, the sector supports 7.7 million jobs and adds $53.6 billion to GDP—roughly 1.5 percent of the national total.

Summit agenda

The AGM will be followed by the World Air Transport Summit (WATS), where major global themes will be discussed, including the financial outlook for airlines, India’s strategic use of aviation for development, and the role of Sustainable Aviation Fuel. Discussions will also focus on financing the journey to net zero and innovations in payment systems.

CNN’s Richard Quest will moderate the summit’s CEO Panel featuring Pieter Elbers of IndiGo, Joanna Geraghty of JetBlue, Adrian Neuhauser of Abra Group, and Richard Smith of FedEx.

Progress and inclusion

A highlight of the event will be the sixth edition of the IATA Diversity & Inclusion Awards, which honour efforts to advance gender balance in the industry as part of the 25by2025 initiative.

Industry moment

Willie Walsh said the AGM is always a moment for the industry to reflect and regroup in the face of enormous economic, geopolitical, and technological forces. He expressed confidence that the gathering would deliver value to stakeholders and strengthen global collaboration.

As global attention turns to India’s aviation trajectory, the AGM in New Delhi signals not just a return, but a recognition of the country’s new role as a global aviation hub.