“This AGM was a critical moment to regroup, collaborate, and chart a sustainable future for aviation.”
— Willie Walsh, IATA Director General
India’s emergence as a global aviation hub was in sharp focus as New Delhi hosted the 81st Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the World Air Transport Summit (WATS) from June 1 to 3, 2025. The landmark event marked the return of IATA’s AGM to India after more than four decades, last held in 1983, underscoring the country’s rising prominence in global aviation.
The event, hosted by India’s largest airline IndiGo, drew over 1,700 participants including airline CEOs, industry experts, policymakers, and international media.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered the keynote address, highlighting the critical role of aviation in accelerating India’s socio-economic
India’s aviation sector directly supports 369,700 jobs and contributes $5.6 billion to GDP. When accounting for tourism and ancillary industries, the broader impact rises to 7.7 million jobs and $53.6 billion—roughly 1.5% of India’s GDP. The government’s plan to develop 150 new airports further reinforces the strategic role of aviation in national growth.
development and global connectivity.
IATA Director General Willie Walsh emphasized India’s transformation into a global aviation force, driven by rapid fleet expansions, substantial investments in airport infrastructure, and growing demand for air travel among the country’s burgeoning middle class
Indian carriers, led by Air India and IndiGo, have placed orders for over 1,200 aircraft, one of the largest expansion moves in recent aviation history. “India’s aviation market is thriving and powering the nation’s socio-economic growth,” said Pieter Elbers, CEO of IndiGo and Chair of IATA’s Board of Governors. “Hosting this prestigious event in Delhi reflects the global importance of India’s aviation story. This is India’s time!”
The World Air Transport Summit that followed the AGM delved into the sector’s pressing challenges and opportunities, including sustainability, energy security, and financial resilience. Key discussions explored the future of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), the global energy transition, and strategic uses of aviation in national development.
A highlight of the summit was the high-profile CEO Panel, moderated by CNN’s Richard Quest, featuring Pieter Elbers (IndiGo), Joanna Geraghty (JetBlue), Adrian Neuhauser (Abra Group), and Richard Smith (FedEx), offering insights into the future direction of the global airline industry.
