The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will host its first-ever IATA Aviation Day for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region in Jeddah on 6-7 May 2025. Organised by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and hosted by Saudi Arabia’s national carrier, Saudia, the event underscores the Kingdom’s growing prominence as a major global aviation hub.
Under the theme of “Collaboration, Innovation, and Harmonisation,” the Aviation Day will highlight critical topics such as digitalisation, airspace management, sustainability, modern airline retailing, and future skills.
Kamil Alawadhi, IATA’s Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East, emphasised the significance of the event, stating: “This will be the first Aviation Day MENA to take place in Saudi Arabia. It’s fitting that the event is being held in a country where aviation is recognised as a critical enabler of economic growth and modernisation. Economies across the region will greatly benefit from focusing on digital transformation, airspace optimisation, and sustainable practices.”
Riyadh Air and airport developments reflect Kingdom’s aviation ambitions
The Aviation Day coincides with significant advancements in Saudi Arabia’s aviation landscape, including the much-anticipated launch later this year of Riyadh Air, a new premium airline set to position the Kingdom as a major global aviation connector.
Riyadh Air will operate from King Salman International Airport in Riyadh, currently undergoing expansion to become one of the largest airports worldwide, expected to handle over 120 million passengers annually by 2030. This expansion is a core component of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 strategy, designed to diversify the economy and enhance connectivity.
Alongside Riyadh’s developments, several other Saudi airports, including Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport and Dammam’s King Fahd International Airport, are also undergoing extensive upgrades to accommodate growing passenger traffic and support Saudi Arabia’s ambition to attract 100 million visitors annually by 2030.
Strategic discussions shaping aviation’s future
The IATA Aviation Day will feature industry leaders such as Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, President of Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, and Nick Careen, IATA’s Senior Vice-President Operations, Safety, and Security.
Key discussions will address the adoption of digital identities and contactless technology, innovative solutions in airspace management amid geopolitical challenges, strategies for achieving sustainability through Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), reducing single-use plastics, and harnessing modern airline retailing to enhance customer experiences.
Saudia Group Director General, H.E. Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, highlighted the importance of this event for the Kingdom, stating: “IATA Aviation Day MENA offers a timely platform to showcase how Saudi Vision 2030 is shaping aviation across the Kingdom and beyond. We are eager to exchange ideas and explore collaborative opportunities with our regional and global aviation partners.”
This landmark event marks a pivotal moment in Saudi Arabia’s journey toward becoming a leading global aviation hub, significantly contributing to regional economic growth and connectivity.
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