Saudi Arabia confirms 2026 Future Aviation Forum in Riyadh

International

Global industry gathering returns from 20–22 April

Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has announced that the Future Aviation Forum (FAF) 2026 will take place in Riyadh from 20 to 22 April. The event is expected to bring together more than 11,000 aviation leaders and experts, including ministers, regulators, manufacturers, airlines and airport representatives.

The forum will be held under the patronage of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and is recognised by the International Civil Aviation Organization as a leading global aviation platform. The previous edition generated over 100 agreements and deals valued at approximately $20 billion.

Continued growth in passenger traffic

Alongside the forum announcement, GACA reported a third consecutive year of record aviation growth. In 2025, Saudi Arabia handled 140.9 million passengers, representing a 9.6% increase compared with the previous year. Flight movements rose by 8.3%, reaching 980,000 operations.

Minister of Transport and Logistics Services Saleh Al-Jasser said:

“Saudi aviation is soaring to new heights, delivering connectivity and growth in support of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 agenda and the objectives of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy. The 2026 Future Aviation Forum will showcase the unprecedented investment, growth, and innovation opportunities being created across the Kingdom for global investors, suppliers, and operators.”

Addressing global aviation challenges

FAF 2026 will be held under the theme “Unlocking Global Growth, Designing the Future Sky.” According to GACA, discussions will focus on key industry challenges, including supply chain resilience, capacity constraints, geopolitical disruptions and human capital development.

GACA President Abdulaziz-Al Duailej stated:

“The 2026 Future Aviation Forum will once again unite global aviation leaders to solve aviation's biggest challenges. Saudi Arabia is committed to providing global leadership on the world's biggest aviation issues, including manufacturing supply chains, capacity constraints, geopolitical disruptions, and the development of human capital across the world.”

Expanding global connectivity

GACA’s 2025 Air Traffic Report highlights the Kingdom’s expanding aviation footprint. Saudi Arabia now offers connectivity to 176 destinations, a 78% increase compared with pre-pandemic levels. International passenger volumes reached 76 million, while domestic traffic rose to 65 million passengers.

The country’s aviation expansion continues under Vision 2030, supported by more than 500 aircraft on order across national carriers and ongoing airport capacity projects.

Registration for the Future Aviation Forum 2026 is open at

Future Aviation Forum 2026 | Saudi Arabia