Prime Minister Modi to deliver keynote at 81st IATA AGM in New Delhi as India takes global aviation sotlight

May 31, 2025 in Business, Companies, Trade & Industry, Transport, Travel & Tourism by Editor

Michael Wakabi

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi will deliver the keynote address at the 81st Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which begins in New Delhi on June 1. The event marks a significant moment for India as it welcomes global aviation leaders for the first time in over four decades.

The IATA AGM, hosted by IndiGo, returns to India for the first time since 1983 and is expected to draw over 1,700 participants, including airline CEOs, government officials, and media representatives. The three-day gathering will also feature the World Air Transport Summit (WATS), where industry leaders will discuss key trends shaping the future of aviation.

Speaking ahead of the event, IATA Director General Willie Walsh said India’s role in global aviation has changed dramatically, particularly over the past decade. He highlighted the country’s record-breaking aircraft orders, rapid market growth, and investment in world-class airport infrastructure as evidence of its rising profile.

“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 modernizing and expanding aviation sector is contributing to the country’s overall economic and social development,” said IATA’s Director General and chief executive officer, Willie Walsh.

India’s aviation sector now directly supports over 369,000 jobs and contributes $5.6 billion to GDP. When indirect and tourism-related impacts are included, the figures rise to 7.7 million jobs and $53.6 billion, accounting for 1.5pc of national GDP.

IndiGo CEO and Chair of the IATA Board of Governors Pieter Elbers said hosting the AGM is a proud moment for India and a testament to the country’s growing aviation strength. He described India as one of the most dynamic markets in the world and noted IndiGo’s central role in that transformation.

“As the host airline of the 81st IATA Annual General Meeting, IndiGo warmly welcomes the global airline community to India. Aviation is a powerful force for good worldwide, and that is particularly evident in India. India’s aviation market is rapidly thriving while significantly contributing to the country’s socio-economic growth and IndiGo is at the forefront of this upward trajectory. IndiGo is proud to invite the IATA AGM back to India, and we look forward to showcasing the exciting developments in this market and the warm hospitality of India, during this global mega-event. This is India’s time!”

Following the AGM, the World Air Transport Summit will tackle critical industry issues, including the financial outlook for airlines, sustainable aviation fuel production, and strategies for achieving net zero emissions.

“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 summit will also feature a high-profile CEO panel moderated by CNN’s Richard Quest, with executives from IndiGo, JetBlue, FedEx, and the Abra Group.

The agenda includes the sixth edition of the IATA Diversity & Inclusion Awards, which recognise efforts to advance gender balance in aviation through the 25by2025 initiative.

Prime Minister Modi’s presence at the event is being seen as underscoring the strategic importance of the sector to the country’s broader economic and development goals.