To spotlight the future of aviation
The IATA Aviation Day Middle East and North Africa (MENA) will be held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from May 6 to 7, 2025. The key regional event will bring aviation leaders, regulators, and industry experts together to address the industry’s most pressing challenges and emerging opportunities.
The conference will centre on five transformative themes: digitalisation, airspace management, sustainability, modern airline retailing, and future skills development. With the aviation industry experiencing rapid growth across the MENA region, these themes have been identified as critical enablers for sustainable and inclusive progress.
Held for the first time in Saudi Arabia, the event marks a significant milestone, especially as the Arabian Gulf nation intensifies efforts to modernise its aviation sector under the Saudi Vision 2030. The strategic vision places aviation at the heart of economic diversification and national development goals, aiming to transform Saudi Arabia into a global logistics and tourism hub.
Kamil Alawadhi, IATA’s Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East, emphasised aviation’s role in advancing regional economies and societies. “Aviation catalyses economic and social development — boosting trade, driving tourism, and creating jobs.
“Economies across the MENA region benefit from the fast growth pace, which will see a doubling of passenger traffic by 2040. The region can maximise this potential by focusing on digitalisation, efficient airspace management, sustainability, modern airline retailing, and future skills development,” he stated.
The two-day event, hosted by Saudia in Jeddah, will feature a dynamic mix of keynote addresses, panel discussions, one-on-one interviews, and thought-provoking sessions. Attendees can expect high-level insights into emerging trends, safety initiatives, and collaborative strategies to drive operational excellence in the air transport industry.
The event will bring together a diverse audience, including airlines and airline associations, airport operators, government bodies, aircraft manufacturers, consultancy firms, legal experts, solution providers, ground handlers, and specialised media outlets. Their shared objective is to chart a course for future readiness and innovation in aviation.
“We are honoured 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,” said Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group.
“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 across the Kingdom, the region, and beyond. We look forward to engaging with our aviation partners to exchange ideas, explore new opportunities, and strengthen the region’s position as a leading hub connecting East and West.”
A robust speaker lineup features notable industry voices such as Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, President of the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation, alongside IATA’s Kamil Alawadhi and Nick Careen, Senior Vice President of Operations, Safety, and Security.
Key topics on the agenda include how digital identities and contactless technologies are reshaping travel and cargo; how enhanced airspace coordination can address geopolitical risks; and how the industry can lead the charge in sustainability through Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and waste reduction.
Customer-centric airline retailing strategies and innovative approaches to workforce development will also be in the spotlight, ensuring the aviation sector remains resilient, skilled, and future-ready.
Image: IATA Aviation Day MENA 2025 attendees can expect high-level insights into emerging trends, safety initiatives, and collaborative strategies to drive operational excellence in the air transport industry. Credit: Arnold Pinto
