IATA AGM ends with calls for growth, safety and sustainability in aviation

The International Air Transport Association's (IATA) 81st Annual General Meeting (AGM) concluded in New Delhi on Tuesday. Global aviation leaders gathered for the three-day event, held from June 1 to 3, to discuss the industry's direction amid economic, geopolitical and environmental headwinds.
This was the first time in 42 years that India hosted the IATA AGM, the previous event taking place in 1983.
India's aviation ambitions highlighted by PM Modi
Speaking at the conference on Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated India's commitment to becoming a global hub for aviation and innovation. He emphasised the continuous expansion of India's civil aviation sector.
'By 2030, the number of air travellers in the country is expected to double from 24 crore to nearly 50 crore annually,' he said.
Highlighting the sector's investment potential, he added: 'India's aviation sector is a key player in the global air transport industry... India offers an excellent investment opportunity in the aviation sector for global companies.'
Industry outlook: Profits rise, risks persist
IATA Director General Willie Walsh shared a forecast for global airline profits, estimating they will reach $36 billion in 2025. He called the projection 'a strong result' despite economic and geopolitical turbulence.
'Considering the headwinds, it's a strong result that demonstrates the resilience that airlines have worked hard to fortify,' Walsh said.
However, he cautioned that new taxes, rising charges, demand shocks or onerous regulations could strain the industry. 'Any new tax, increase in airport or navigation charge, demand shock or costly regulation will quickly put the industry's resilience to the test,' he warned.
On India's regulatory landscape, Walsh stated, 'The taxation system in India is complex and there needs to be greater certainty.'
Sustainability: SAF progress too slow, says Walsh
The AGM also focused on sustainability, particularly the ramp-up of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production. While SAF output is expected to double to 2 million tonnes in 2025, Walsh said this would still meet only 0.7 per cent of aviation's total fuel needs.
'Even that relatively small amount will add $4.4 billion globally to the fuel bill,' he added. 'The pace of progress in ramping up production and gaining efficiencies to reduce costs must accelerate.'
Safety and conflict risks dominate operational concerns
Nick Careen, IATA's Senior Vice President of Operations, Safety and Security, said that although the industry carried more than 5 billion passengers in 2024, hidden challenges continue to affect operations. These include global engine shortages, GPS jamming and managing airspace amid active conflict zones.
IATA reported that over 1,100 aircraft are grounded, with 69 per cent linked to a single engine type. Additionally, the Eurocontrol region saw 1,100 daily flight reroutes in 2024 due to conflict zones, contributing to higher fuel use, emissions and operational costs.
Two aircraft were downed in conflict zones during the year, further underlining the safety and financial implications of geopolitical instability.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Time of India

an hour ago

• Time of India

International Yoga Day: 'Yoga is pause button'; PM Modi's strong message for world 'going through unrest'

PM Modi; Yoga Day NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday led the 11th International Yoga Day celebrations in Andhra Pradesh's Visakhapatnam, and pointing to global tensions, described yoga as an exercise which brings peace to mind. Click here for live updates "Unfortunately, today the entire world is going through some tension, unrest, and instability have been increasing in many regions. In such times, yoga gives us the direction of peace. It is the pause button that humanity needs to breathe, balance, and become whole again," PM Modi said in the coastal city, where he later performed with around 3 lakh participants at a mass yoga session. Also Read: Israel launches fresh attack on missile facilities in Iran; Tehran calls out 'betrayal to diplomacy' by US Yoga, the prime minister added, goes beyond boundaries, backgrounds, age, and physical ability. "Yoga is for everyone beyond boundaries, beyond backgrounds, beyond age or physical ability. It is a universal gift that unites humanity in health, harmony, and consciousness," he stated. PM Modi also recalled India's initiative at the United Nations in 2014 to declare June 21 as International Yoga Day, a move which would receive wide global support in a short span of time. "Remarkably, in a very short span of time, 175 countries came forward to support this initiative. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Cặp EUR/USD: Đà Tăng? IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Such unity and overwhelming global support was truly extraordinary. This was not just about agreeing to a proposal, it was a collective step taken for the betterment of humanity. It reflected a shared vision for a healthier, more conscious world. Today, in 2025, we can proudly see that yoga has become an integral part of many people's lives across the globe," the prime minister said. Further, he highlighted how yoga has reached every corner of the planet - be it the steps of the Sydney Opera House, the peaks of Everest, or the expanse of the ocean. The Yoga Day event took place against the scenic backdrop of the Visakhapatnam coastline, with Indian Navy ships stationed near the shore.

India Today

an hour ago

• India Today

Yoga gives direction of peace as world today witnesses unrest: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that yoga is a powerful tool and a "pause button that humanity needs to breathe, balance, and become whole again" amid global the 11th International Day of Yoga celebrations in Visakhapatnam, PM Modi said, "Sarve bhavantu sukhinah (may all be happy) – we should live by this thought, as it leads to a peaceful society. Unfortunately, the world today is witnessing widespread violence and ashanti (unrest). Yoga is the pause button humanity needs to breathe, find balance, and regain composure." advertisementAs conflicts in West Asia and Europe rage on, PM Modi said that yoga kills ego and "takes us from me to we," highlighting its power to foster global unity. PM Modi further explained why the theme for this year's International Yoga Day is 'Yoga for One Earth, One Health'. 'The theme reflects a deep truth: the health of every entity on Earth is interconnected,' he said.'Initially, we learn to take good care of our own health and wellness. Yoga instills strong personal discipline,' he added.

The Hindu

an hour ago

• The Hindu

International Yoga Day 2025 LIVE updates: Let this Yoga Day mark the beginning of Yoga for humanity 2.0, says PM Modi

Narendra Modi wished International Yoga Day on Saturday (June 21, 2025) from Visakhapatanam in a massive International Yoga Day organised by Andhra Pradesh. The Yoga Day programme is organised along a 26-km-long corridor from R.K. Beach in the port city of Visakhapatnam, which stretches up to Bhogapuram. Also read: 25,000 tribal students perform 108 Surya Namaskarams in 108 minutes in Vizag Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Visakhapatnam on Friday (June 20, 2025) night to take part in the celebration. The Andhra Pradesh government is aiming to set a string of records in Yoga by mobilising several lakh people, not just in Visakhapatnam but by organising simultaneous activities across the state on June 21. When India proposed June 21 to be celebrated as International Yoga day, in short time 175 countries accepted it, PM Modi in Visakhapatanam. Many countries across the world are set to celebrate Yoga Day.