Day three of the summit was notable for its focus on the operational, regulatory and sustainability challenges confronting the industry
The 81st Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) concluded in New Delhi on Tuesday, marking a significant milestone for the global aviation industry and for India, which hosted the event after a gap of 42 years.
Over the three days, the AGM and the World Air Transport Summit (WATS) brought together more than 1,700 delegates, including industry leaders, government officials and media from around the world, to address the multifaceted challenges and opportunities facing aviation today.
Day three of the summit was notable for its focus on the operational, regulatory and sustainability challenges confronting the industry as it strives for recovery and long-term resilience. The agenda was anchored by high-level sessions and briefings that underscored the sector’s determination to navigate a complex landscape shaped by economic turbulence, geopolitical instability and the urgent need for environmental action.
Nick Careen
The morning began with a comprehensive media briefing on safety and operations, which painted a nuanced picture of an industry that, while carrying over 5 billion passengers in 2024, continues to grapple with operational headwinds. Nick Careen, Senior Vice President of Operations, Safety and Security, IATA, highlighted persistent issues such as global engine shortages, GPS jamming and the ongoing challenge of managing airspace amid active conflict zones during the briefing.
He emphasises that these factors have led to more than 1,100 aircraft being grounded worldwide, with 69 pc of these linked to a single engine type and the operational impact of geopolitical instability was further underscored by the fact that the Eurocontrol region alone saw 1,100 daily flight reroutes in 2024 due to conflict zones, resulting in higher fuel consumption, increased emissions and mounting operational costs.
The regulatory environment was the focus of the subsequent session, which was led by Leslie Maclntosh, Corporate Secretary and Acting General Counsel of IATA, examined the patchwork of regulations that airlines must navigate. Maclntosh emphasised the need for greater certainty and simplification, particularly in markets like India, where the taxation system adds layers of complexity for operators.
Leslie Maclntosh
She highlighted during her address that any new tax, increase in airport or navigation charges, demand shock, or onerous regulation could quickly test the industry’s resilience, even as global airline profits are forecast to reach USD 36 billion in 2025 on revenues of USD 979 billion.
The closing press briefing was led by Pieter Elbers, CEO of IndiGo, the host airline of the AGM, and Willie Walsh, Director of IATA. Elbers reflected on his tenure, highlighting significant progress in reviewing IATA’s governance and internal procedures, noting about 70 pc completion with ongoing work under new chair Luis Coho, Chief Executive Officer of LATAM Airlines.
Pieter Elbers
In his address, Walsh emphasised IATA’s alignment on safety, financial processes and advocacy.
A major topic was the industry’s commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050. While answering questions from the media, Walsh reaffirmed this goal but also expressed concern over the slow pace of progress, particularly regarding sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production, lack of technological advances and insufficient support from oil companies. He emphasised that mandates, notably in the European Union, without incentives have not increased SAF supply and have only raised costs.
On travel demand, Walsh highlighted the data showing that transatlantic traffic between Europe and North America remains strong, with bookings ahead of last year, despite minor short-term fluctuations. He mentioned that while there is some softness in forward bookings for the fourth quarter, the overall outlook is positive, and the industry is closely monitoring booking trends as the booking window has shortened post-pandemic.
Willie Walsh
IATA also announced that the 82nd IATA Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in June 2026, hosted by LATAM Airlines Group, largest airline company in Latin America.
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