New Delhi — The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced that its 82nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) will take place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in June 2026, hosted by LATAM Airlines Group.

The event marks a historic return for IATA to Brazil, which last hosted the AGM in Petropolis in 1947 and again in Rio in 1999. This will be only the third time the global aviation industry’s top executives gather in Brazil for IATA’s premier annual event.

“We are excited to accept LATAM’s offer to host IATA’s 82nd AGM in Rio de Janeiro,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General. “The last time the IATA AGM was in South America was in 1999, also in Rio. It will be a great opportunity to take stock of changes over two decades of development that have seen strengthening air connectivity successfully support major world events like the FIFA World Cup and the Olympics.”

Highlighting Brazil’s role as the largest aviation market in South America, Walsh noted that the AGM will showcase aviation’s potential as a “strategic force driving social and economic prosperity” in the region.

Roberto Alvo, CEO of LATAM Airlines Group, said the airline is proud to host the industry’s flagship event in Brazil. “In addition to facilitating a successful gathering of our industry leaders, we look forward to showcasing the contributions and enormous potential for aviation in Brazil and throughout South America. We are confident that Rio de Janeiro, one of the most spectacular cities in the world with its unparalleled hospitality and beauty, will ensure a warm welcome and a memorable experience for all attendees.”

LATAM Airlines Group is the region’s leading airline, connecting 153 destinations across 27 countries. In 2024, the group carried a record 82 million passengers and made strides in fleet modernization and environmental sustainability.

The 2026 AGM will also pay homage to Brazil’s pioneering role in aviation history, with the legacy of Alberto Santos-Dumont, a national icon celebrated for his 1906 flight—widely regarded as one of the first powered flights in aviation history.

The IATA AGM typically attracts over 1,500 aviation leaders, including airline CEOs, government officials, and key stakeholders, making it one of the most significant global events for the air transport industry.