The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced that the upcoming IATA Aviation Day Middle East and North Africa (MENA) will center on key themes shaping the industry’s future: digitalization, airspace management, sustainability, modern airline retailing, and future skills development. The event will be held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on May 6–7, 2025, and will be hosted by Saudia.
“Aviation plays a vital role in economic and social advancement by boosting trade, stimulating tourism, and generating employment,” said Kamil Alawadhi, IATA’s Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East. “The MENA region is experiencing rapid growth, with passenger traffic projected to double by 2040. By prioritizing digital transformation, effective airspace management, sustainability, retail modernization, and workforce development, the region can fully harness the potential of this growth.”
This year marks the first time Aviation Day MENA will be held in Saudi Arabia — a symbolic choice, reflecting the Kingdom’s commitment to making aviation a cornerstone of its economic transformation.
“We are proud to host aviation leaders in Jeddah, one of Saudia’s primary hubs, during this dynamic period of growth and reform,” said H.E. Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group. “IATA Aviation Day MENA offers an opportunity to showcase how Vision 2030 is reshaping aviation in Saudi Arabia and beyond. It’s a chance to collaborate, share insights, and advance the region’s role as a global aviation connector between East and West.”
Keynote Speakers & Sessions
The event will feature high-level speakers including Kamil Alawadhi and Nick Careen, IATA’s Senior Vice President for Operations, Safety, and Security. They’ll be joined by Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, President of Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), among other prominent industry figures.
Conference sessions will include:
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Digitalization: Exploring how digital identity, touchless technologies, and data can enhance passenger experience and cargo operations.
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Airspace Management: Tackling safety and security in light of current geopolitical challenges.
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Sustainability: Focusing on decarbonization, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) development, and minimizing single-use plastics.
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Modern Airline Retailing: Shifting toward customer-focused strategies and improved collaboration across the value chain.
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Future Skills: Discussing innovative regional and global initiatives aimed at attracting and retaining talent in the aviation industry.
