IATA Aviation Day MENA 2025 in Saudi Arabia: Shaping the Future of Aviation

The aviation sector plays a pivotal role in driving economic and social development globally. In the MENA region, it has proven to be a key enabler of trade, tourism, and job creation.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced that the 2025 edition of its highly anticipated Aviation Day for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region will be held in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The event, taking place on May 6-7, 2025, will be hosted by Saudia, marking the first time that Saudi Arabia will host this influential event. IATA Aviation Day MENA will bring together industry leaders, policymakers, and experts to discuss the future of aviation in the MENA region, focusing on critical issues such as digitalization, airspace management, sustainability, modern airline retailing, and the future skills required to support the sector’s ongoing growth.

Economic and Social Development through Aviation

The aviation sector plays a pivotal role in driving economic and social development globally. In the MENA region, it has proven to be a key enabler of trade, tourism, and job creation. With passenger traffic expected to double by 2040, the region is poised to see significant growth in the coming decades. IATA’s Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East, Kamil Alawadhi, highlighted that this growth presents immense opportunities, especially if the region can effectively address the challenges and opportunities in digitalization, airspace management, sustainability, and retailing, alongside developing the necessary skills to fuel future progress.

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and Aviation Growth

The selection of Jeddah as the venue for the event is particularly significant, as it coincides with Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030. This national initiative is designed to diversify the economy and modernize critical sectors, with aviation at the forefront of these transformations. With major infrastructure developments underway, including new airports and air traffic control systems, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a global aviation hub, connecting East and West and leading the way in driving innovation and sustainability within the industry.

H.E. Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, expressed his enthusiasm about the event being hosted in Jeddah, stating, “We are honored to welcome industry leaders to Jeddah, one of Saudia’s key hubs, at a time of unprecedented growth and transformation in Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector. With safety, innovation, and sustainability driving our progress, IATA Aviation Day MENA is a valuable platform to showcase how Saudi Vision 2030 is shaping the future of aviation not only across the Kingdom but the region and beyond.”

Key Themes and Sessions at IATA Aviation Day MENA

The conference will feature a diverse range of sessions, including keynote speeches, panel discussions, and presentations from leading figures in the aviation industry. Among the confirmed speakers are Kamil Alawadhi and Nick Careen, IATA’s Senior Vice President for Operations, Safety, and Security. The event will also feature Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, President of the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), and other notable industry leaders.

The themes for the conference will include:

1. Digitalization in Aviation Digital transformation is reshaping the entire aviation ecosystem. The session on digitalization will explore how technologies such as digital identity, contactless processes, and data-driven systems are revolutionizing passenger experience and air cargo logistics. The role of innovation in improving operational efficiency, enhancing security, and reducing delays will also be discussed.

2. Airspace Management and Safety As air traffic continues to increase, managing airspace efficiently and safely becomes a growing challenge. In the face of geopolitical instability and increasing global demand, the conference will explore how airspace management systems can adapt to ensure the safety and security of air travel, both regionally and globally.

3. Sustainability in Aviation Sustainability is one of the most pressing issues facing the aviation industry today. Discussions will focus on strategies for reducing the carbon footprint of aviation, including the adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), new aircraft technologies, and practices for decarbonization. The panel will also address the issue of single-use plastics, which remain a major environmental concern in aviation.

4. Modern Airline Retailing As customer expectations evolve, the airline retail experience must keep pace. The modern airline retailing session will explore new ways to personalize customer interactions and improve the travel journey through customer-centric solutions. This session will focus on collaboration across the supply chain and how airlines can leverage digital tools to offer new services and opportunities to their passengers.

5. Future Skills in Aviation As the aviation sector grows and evolves, so too must the skills of those working in it. A key part of IATA’s Aviation Day MENA will focus on initiatives aimed at attracting, training, and retaining skilled professionals in the aviation sector. From pilots to air traffic controllers, engineers, and cabin crew, the future of aviation depends on the ability to develop a skilled and adaptable workforce that can meet the demands of a rapidly changing industry.

A Vision for the Future of MENA Aviation

The MENA region is on the cusp of a new era in aviation, and the discussions held at IATA Aviation Day MENA will play a significant role in shaping the future trajectory of the industry. With digital transformation, sustainability, and the development of future skills leading the charge, the event will serve as a critical platform for collaboration and innovation. As Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector continues to expand, the 2025 conference promises to be a landmark event in furthering the region’s position as a global leader in aviation.

As the industry faces increasing challenges, including geopolitical instability, climate change, and technological disruption, IATA Aviation Day MENA will provide the necessary insights and strategies for the region to continue to thrive in the coming decades.