#Saudi Arabia #Riyadh #GACA #Future Aviation Forum

2026 Future Aviation Forum: A Meeting of Global Aviation Minds

In an unprecedented move, Saudi Arabia has announced the return of the 2026 Future Aviation Forum in Riyadh, which is set to take place from April 20-22. This significant gathering will see over 11,000 aviation experts and leaders come together, including ministers, regulators, and representatives from major manufacturers, airlines, and airports. With record-breaking growth in its aviation sector, Saudi Arabia aims to highlight both the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

A Growing Aviation Landscape

Saudi Arabia has experienced a remarkable aviation boom, with passenger numbers increasing by 9.6% and flight operations rising by 8.3% in 2025. The nation welcomed 140.9 million passengers and conducted nearly a million flights, marking the third consecutive year of impressive growth. These advancements underscore the Kingdom's ambition to transform its aviation landscape, aligning with the broader Vision 2030 agenda, which seeks to diversify the economy and boost overall growth.

The Significance of the Forum

Under the distinguished patronage of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Future Aviation Forum serves as a global forum cementing Saudi Arabia's leadership role in the aviation sector. The event's theme, Unlocking Global Growth, Designing the Future Sky, sets the stage for discussions on fundamental issues such as manufacturing supply chains, capacity constraints, and geopolitical impacts on the aviation industry.

His Excellency Saleh Al-Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, emphasizes the strategic importance of the Forum, stating that it will showcase investment, growth, and innovation opportunities within Saudi Arabia for global stakeholders. Meanwhile, Abdulaziz Al Duailej, President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), reiterated the commitment to addressing the aviation industry's most pressing challenges through collaborative dialogue.

Past Success and Future Editions

The last edition of the Future Aviation Forum yielded more than 100 agreements and facilitated $20 billion in deals, further solidifying the event's reputation as a vital converging point for the aviation community. The demand for such forums has led GACA to announce that the 2028 and 2030 editions will also be held in partnership with Richard Attias and Associates, showcasing the continuing commitment to fostering global aviation growth.

Looking Ahead

The 2025 Air Traffic Report released at the 19th Saudi Aviation Sector Steering Committee meeting revealed significant strides in global connectivity, which is now reaching 176 destinations, a 78% increase from pre-pandemic levels. International passenger numbers surged by 10.2%, boosting tourism and domestic travel, further highlighting the Kingdom's dedication to rapid aviation expansion. As various airport capacity expansions are underway, Saudi Arabia's national airlines have also placed orders for over 500 aircraft, expecting to maintain this upward trend in air travel.

With registration already open for the Forum, participants can look forward to insightful discussions, networking opportunities, and a future where Saudi Arabia plays a pivotal role in shaping the global aviation industry.

For those interested in attending, more information can be found on the official website: 2026 Future Aviation Forum Registration.

Conclusion

As the aviation industry grapples with evolving challenges and increasing demands, the 2026 Future Aviation Forum stands as a beacon of hope and innovation, ready to usher in a new era of growth in aviation. The Kingdom's commitment to this sector not only enhances its global standing but also promises a future filled with captivating opportunities for industry stakeholders worldwide.