Leaders of the global aviation industry will gather at the 81st IATA Annual General Meeting (AGM) and World Air Transport Summit (WATS) in New Delhi from June 1-3, 2025. The IATA AGM 2025, which is being held in India after 42 years, will bring CEOs of global airlines to the country as they deliberate on issues ranging from de-carbonisation to geopolitical uncertainty.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to deliver a keynote address to delegates at Delhi’s Barat Mandapam Convention Centre.

IndiGo is the host airline of the event, which was last held in India in 1983.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is the trade association for the world’s airlines, representing some 350 airlines or over 80% of global air traffic. It helps formulate industry policy on critical aviation issues.​

“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. 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.

India’s aviation industry directly employs 369,700 people and generates $5.6 billion of GDP. When indirect, induced and tourism impacts are included, it rises to 7.7 million jobs and $53.6 billion of GDP (1.5%).

“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.

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 summit will address 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, and financing aviation net zero, among others.