IndiGo is the host airline of the event, which was last held in India in 1983.
| Photo Credit:
Malcolm
After a gap of 42 years, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) will host its Annual General Meeting in India. Leaders of the global aviation industry will gather in Delhi from 1 to 3 for the 81st IATA Annual General Meeting (AGM) and World Air Transport Summit (WATS). This comes at a time when India’s aviation industry has seen a dramatic rise in the last decade.
IndiGo is the host airline of the event, which was last held in India in 1983. Some 1,700 participants are registered to attend, including industry leaders, government officials and media, according to IATA.
India’s place in global aviation has changed dramatically, particularly over the last decade. The country has seen record aircraft orders, impressive growth, and world class infrastructure developments. The AGM will allow aviation leaders and journalists from around the world to witness first-hand how India’s rapidly modernizing and expanding aviation sector is contributing to the country’s overall economic and social development,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General. “We are excited to bring the IATA AGM to India after a 42-year gap,” he said.
India’s aviation industry directly employs 369,700 people and generates $5.6 billion of GDP. When indirect, induced and tourism impacts are included, the totals rise to 7.7 million jobs and $53.6 billion of GDP (1.5 per cent).
“As the host airline of the 81st IATA Annual General Meeting, IndiGo warmly welcomes the global airline community to India. Aviation is a powerful force for good worldwide, and that is particularly evident in India. India’s aviation market is rapidly thriving while significantly contributing to the country’s socio-economic growth and IndiGo is at the forefront of this upward trajectory. IndiGo is proud to invite the IATA AGM back to India, and we look forward to showcasing the exciting developments in this market and the warm hospitality of India, during this global mega-event. This is India’s time!” said Pieter Elbers, CEO of IndiGo and Chair of the IATA Board of Governors.
World Air Transport Summit
The World Air Transport Summit (WATS), which follows immediately after the AGM, will address key issues facing the aviation industry.
“The AGM is always a moment for the industry to reflect and regroup in the face of enormous economic, geopolitical and technological forces ahead,“ said Walsh, “I’m confident this gathering will deliver value to our stakeholders and strengthen our commitment to progress and collaboration.”
The popular CEO Panel moderated by CNN’s Richard Quest will feature Pieter Elbers, CEO, IndiGo; Joanna Geraghty, CEO, JetBlue; Adrian Neuhauser, CEO, Abra Group and Richard Smith, COO International, and CEO Airline, FedEx.
Key topics to be addressed in the WATS include the financial outlook for the airline industry; How India is strategically using aviation to drive development; The relationship between energy security, renewable energy and Sustainable Aviation Fuel production; Financing aviation net zero; The cost of payment and potential innovations; The view of the Chief Operations Officer.
A highlight of the program is the sixth edition of the IATA Diversity & Inclusion Awards. These awards recognize individuals and organizations who are advancing gender balance in the industry through the 25by2025 initiative, IATA said.
With billions of dollars invested in airport infrastructure across more than 150 airports and more 200 million passengers traveling every year, air travel in India shows no sign of slowing down.
According to the International Air Transport Association’s AirportIS, India is today the world’s third busiest market. With billions of dollars invested in airport infrastructure across more than 150 airports, air travel in India shows no sign of slowing down.
Travellers from India took 176.4 million flights from and within the country in the year to March 2025. This is up 9 per cent over the same period in 2024. Travellers from India took 137.7 million domestic flights with the top three routes being Mumbai to New Delhi; Bengaluru to Delhi and Bengaluru to Mumbai.
Domestic routes
Data shows that several domestic routes from Mumbai and Delhi to Kolkata recorded the highest growth.
International traffic was up 11 per cent to 38.6 million passengers in the first quarter. The UAE was the most popular international destination with 7.7 million passengers travelling from India, an 8 per cent year-on-year increase. This was followed by the US with 3.6 million and Saudi Arabia with 3.4 million.
India’s aviation industry directly employs 369,700 people and generates $5.6 billion of GDP. When indirect, induced and tourism impacts are included, the totals rise to 7.7 million jobs and $53.6 billion of GDP (1.5 per cent), says IATA.
“As we gather in New Delhi, India for the 81st IATA Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit from June 1 to 3, it is notable that Indian domestic growth is running at over 10 per cent. The development of India’s air connectivity in recent years has been nothing short of phenomenal, making this year’s gathering a timely and powerful reminder for all on how aviation connectivity drives growth and development,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.
Published on May 31, 2025
Leave a Reply