The 2025 IATA Annual General Meeting (AGM) and World Air Transport Summit (WATS) will take place in New Delhi, India, from June 1 to 3, bringing together over 1,700 aviation leaders, government officials, and media representatives from around the world. This marks a historic return for the event to India after more than four decades, last held in the country in 1983.
The gathering will be hosted by IndiGo, India’s largest airline, as the nation’s aviation sector continues its upward trajectory with record aircraft orders, infrastructure developments, and rapid market growth. India’s Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, is expected to deliver the keynote address to delegates, underscoring the importance of aviation in India’s national development strategy.
India’s Soaring Role in Global Aviation
According to Willie Walsh, Director General of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), India’s transformation in aviation is one of the most significant global success stories of the past decade. He highlighted the country’s modernization efforts, increased aircraft purchases, and expanding connectivity as major contributors to both economic and social development.
Currently, India’s aviation industry directly supports 369,700 jobs and contributes $5.6 billion to the national GDP. When accounting for tourism, supply chain, and induced impacts, these figures rise to 7.7 million jobs and $53.6 billion in GDP—approximately 1.5% of the nation’s total output.
Economic Impact of Indian Aviation
| Category | Employment | GDP Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Aviation Industry | 369,700 jobs | $5.6 billion |
| Including Tourism & Indirect | 7.7 million jobs | $53.6 billion |
Pieter Elbers, CEO of IndiGo and Chair of the IATA Board of Governors, emphasized the significance of the event returning to India, stating, “This is India’s time.” He described aviation as a powerful global force for development and expressed pride in showcasing India’s hospitality and fast-evolving aviation market.
World Air Transport Summit to Tackle Key Issues
Immediately following the AGM, the World Air Transport Summit (WATS) will convene to discuss the most pressing challenges facing the industry. Topics will include the financial outlook for airlines, India’s aviation-led development strategy, and efforts to achieve net zero emissions in aviation.
One of the highlights will be the high-profile CEO panel moderated by Richard Quest of CNN. The panel will feature:
- Pieter Elbers, CEO, IndiGo
- Joanna Geraghty, CEO, JetBlue
- Adrian Neuhauser, CEO, Abra Group
- Richard Smith, COO International and CEO Airline, FedEx
Topics on the WATS Agenda
- Global airline industry financial outlook
- India’s strategic use of aviation to boost development
- Energy security and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
- Financing aviation’s net zero journey
- Innovations in payment systems and cost efficiency
- Operational insights from leading COOs
Promoting Inclusion in Aviation Leadership
In addition to technical and economic topics, the 2025 IATA AGM will spotlight diversity and inclusion within the industry. The sixth edition of the IATA Diversity & Inclusion Awards will be presented during the event, recognizing organizations and individuals advancing gender equality and supporting the 25by2025 initiative.
The awards and broader programming reflect a growing commitment within global aviation to foster more inclusive leadership and workplace practices, aligning with long-term goals of sustainability and innovation in the sector.
The 2025 AGM and WATS in New Delhi are expected to set the tone for the future of international air travel, spotlighting India’s pivotal role while addressing global industry challenges through collaboration, policy insight, and innovation.
