Sunday, June 1, 2025
From June 1 to June 3, 2025, India proudly hosts the 81st Annual General Meeting (AGM) and the World Air Transport Summit (WATS) of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in New Delhi—a globally significant event that marks India’s elevated status in the world of aviation.
The summit, organised in partnership with IndiGo Airlines, brings together over 1,700 delegates including top airline executives, government officials, aviation industry experts, and media from across the globe.
This is the first time since 1983 that India has hosted the IATA AGM, reaffirming its growing influence in the global aviation landscape.
With record-breaking aircraft orders, cutting-edge infrastructure, and consistent passenger growth, India is being hailed as one of the most dynamic aviation markets in the 21st century.
A Landmark Gathering at a Pivotal Time
The event is expected to be inaugurated with a keynote address from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emphasizing the government’s deep commitment to aviation-driven growth. This aligns with India’s National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP) and UDAN Scheme (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik), which have democratized air travel and enhanced regional connectivity.
According to India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), the number of operational airports in the country has more than doubled over the past decade—from 74 in 2014 to over 150 by 2024.
Speaking about the importance of this event, Willie Walsh, Director General of IATA, said: “We are excited to bring the IATA AGM to India after a 42-year gap. 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.”
India’s Aviation Landscape: Fast Growth and Economic Impact
The numbers reflect this transformation. According to IATA data supported by the Government of India, India’s aviation sector directly employs around 369,700 people and contributes $5.6 billion to the nation’s GDP. When including indirect, induced, and tourism-related impacts, the aviation industry supports 7.7 million jobs and $53.6 billion, equivalent to 1.5% of India’s GDP.
The MoCA further estimates that the sector will grow at a CAGR of 10% over the next five years, making India the third-largest aviation market globally by 2030. Strategic government initiatives like GAGAN (GPS Aided GEO Augmented Navigation) and airspace modernization projects are also facilitating faster, safer, and more environmentally friendly air travel.
Host Airline IndiGo Takes Center Stage
India’s largest airline, IndiGo, serves as the host airline for the IATA AGM. Pieter Elbers, IndiGo’s CEO and Chair of the IATA Board of Governors, expressed pride in India’s role as a rising aviation hub:
“As the host airline of the 81st IATA Annual General Meeting, IndiGo warmly welcomes the global airline community to India. India’s aviation market is rapidly thriving while significantly contributing to the country’s socio-economic growth. This is India’s time!”
IndiGo currently controls over 60% of India’s domestic market and has placed historic orders for new aircraft, underscoring its role in making Indian aviation competitive on the world stage.
World Air Transport Summit 2025: Key Issues on the Table
Following the AGM, the World Air Transport Summit (WATS) will explore urgent topics shaping the future of global aviation. The summit’s centerpiece, the CEO Panel, moderated by CNN’s Richard Quest, features major industry leaders:
- Pieter Elbers, CEO, IndiGo
- Joanna Geraghty, CEO, JetBlue
- Adrian Neuhauser, CEO, Abra Group
- Richard Smith, COO International and CEO Airline, FedEx
The CEO Panel will address:
- Global financial outlook for airlines
- India’s strategic aviation expansion
- Energy security and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
- Innovative financing for net-zero aviation
- Cost of payments and transaction innovations
- The operational perspectives of airline COOs
The event aligns closely with sustainability goals under India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) and global aviation’s commitment to Net Zero Carbon Emissions by 2050, as outlined in IATA’s Net Zero Roadmap.
Sustainability in Focus: SAF and Financing
One of the most anticipated sessions at WATS will cover Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). With SAF production expected to reach 17 billion liters by 2030, as per IATA, countries like India have a key role in scaling domestic production using agricultural and municipal waste. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) supports biofuel initiatives through its National Bio-Energy Mission, promoting SAF as a cleaner, scalable alternative to traditional aviation fuels.
Further, global financial institutions and governments are exploring innovative financing models—green bonds, ESG investments, and carbon offsets—to fund the shift toward net-zero aviation.
Gender Diversity Takes the Spotlight
Another major highlight of the event is the sixth edition of the IATA Diversity & Inclusion Awards. These awards support the 25by2025 initiative, which aims to increase female representation in aviation leadership roles by at least 25% or to 25% minimum by 2025.
According to the International Labour Organization (ILO) and IATA, women currently account for only 5% of airline CEOs and 3% of pilot roles globally. The awards aim to accelerate progress by recognizing individuals and organizations committed to gender equity in aviation.
India’s Strategic Aviation Vision
India’s hosting of the 2025 IATA AGM comes at a crucial moment. As the world seeks to rebound from global disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical challenges, India is positioning aviation as a key economic pillar.
The Indian government’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India) initiative includes massive investment in airports, air cargo, and indigenous manufacturing—particularly through partnerships with global OEMs such as Airbus and Boeing. Meanwhile, the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Drone and Aviation Components, led by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, is strengthening domestic capabilities.
A Milestone Moment for Global Aviation
As airlines worldwide face a complex future—balancing recovery, digital transformation, and decarbonization—the IATA AGM in New Delhi provides a powerful platform for shared strategy and innovation.
IATA Director General Willie Walsh encapsulated this vision:
“The AGM is always a moment for the industry to reflect and regroup in the face of enormous economic, geopolitical and technological forces. I’m confident this gathering will deliver value to our stakeholders and strengthen our commitment to progress and collaboration.”
