IndiGo hosts the 81st IATA Annual General Meeting (AGM)

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that prominent figures from the global aviation sector gathered in New Delhi from June 1 to 3, 2025, for its 81^st Annual General Meeting (AGM) and World Air Transport Summit (WATS).

“We look forward to gathering the aviation industry in Delhi, India’s gateway city, for the 81^st IATA AGM in 2025. It’s been over four decades since the industry came together for an IATA AGM in Delhi. With record aircraft orders, impressive growth, and world-class infrastructure developments, India is firmly on the trajectory to become the world’s third-largest aviation market within this decade.  With such bright prospects, it’s the perfect time for the IATA AGM to return to India and witness these exciting developments first hand,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

“IndiGo is proud to be host airline for the 81^st IATA AGM and looks forward to welcoming the global aviation community to Delhi in 2025. India, becoming the third largest economy within the next few years and leading the fourth industrial revolution with the use of AI, is a nation on the move. India's rise in the global aviation landscape over the last years has been nothing short of remarkable, commented Pieter Elbers, CEO, IndiGo.

“IndiGo has been giving wings to the nation since 2006 and is increasingly expanding internationally. Building on aviation as a force for good and India’s unique diversity, we are looking forward to engaging in meaningful dialogues aimed at sculpting the global aviation landscape around important topics such as safety, diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as sustainability, while efficiently delivering the growing global demand for air travel,” said Elbers.

The decision to host the 81^st IATA AGM in India was made at the 80^th IATA AGM in Dubai. This will be the third time the IATA AGM has convened in Delhi, having previously visited India in 1958 and 1983. 

“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 modernising and expanding aviation sector is contributing to the country’s overall economic and social development,” Walsh added.

India’s aviation sector directly employs around 370,000 people and contributes approximately $5.6 billion to the country’s GDP. When indirect and tourism-related impacts are included, the total rises to 7.7 million jobs and $53.6 billion in GDP.

World Air Transport Summit

Following the AGM, the WATS focused on pressing issues impacting the 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 popular CEO Panel, moderated by CNN’s Richard Quest, featured:

• Pieter Elbers, CEO of IndiGo
• Joanna Geraghty, CEO of JetBlue
• Adrian Neuhauser, CEO of Abra Group
• Richard Smith, COO International and CEO of FedEx Airline

Key topics under discussion at WATS included the financial outlook for airlines, India’s strategic use of aviation for development, the relationship between energy security and sustainable aviation fuels, financing net-zero aviation, evolving global tax policies, payment innovations, and operational perspectives from industry leaders.