IATA to Convene Global Aviation Leaders for Ground Handling Summit Focused on AI and Operational Resilience

At the same time, AI and automation are opening new avenues to streamline operations, reduce delays, and enhance decision-making.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) will bring together global aviation leaders in Cairo next month for its 38th IATA Ground Handling Conference (IGHC), as the industry grapples with rising operational complexity and the transformative impact of artificial intelligence.

Scheduled for 19–21 May 2026 and hosted by EGYPTAIR, the conference will center on the theme “Adapting Ground Operations in an Era of AI,” highlighting how automation and human expertise can be integrated to improve safety, efficiency, and resilience in airport ground operations.

Industry at a Turning Point

Ground handling—covering everything from baggage management and aircraft turnaround to fueling and passenger services—is becoming increasingly complex amid rising global air traffic, supply chain disruptions, and evolving safety risks.

At the same time, AI and automation are opening new avenues to streamline operations, reduce delays, and enhance decision-making.

“Ground operations are becoming increasingly complex as traffic volumes continue to grow,” said Monika Mejstrikova, IATA’s Director of Ground Operations. “AI and automation are creating new opportunities to manage these challenges, and the focus now is on combining technology with human expertise to deliver safer and more resilient operations.”

The conference comes at a time when airlines in several regions are operating under heightened risk conditions, including geopolitical tensions and fuel supply disruptions that directly affect ground operations.

Cairo: A Strategic Aviation Hub

Hosting the event in Cairo underscores Egypt’s growing importance as a regional aviation hub linking Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.

“EGYPTAIR is proud to host the global ground handling community at a time of increasing operational complexity,” said Capt. Ahmed Adel, Chairman of EGYPTAIR Holding Company. “This platform will strengthen collaboration, share best practices, and advance how people and technology work together to improve operational performance.”

Key Themes: From AI to Safety Risks

The IGHC 2026 agenda reflects the aviation industry’s most pressing operational priorities, combining strategic discussions with practical solutions.

Major focus areas will include:

• AI and automation in practice: Enhancing safety, consistency, and operational efficiency

• Operating in high-risk environments: Managing disruptions linked to conflict zones and volatile conditions

• Fuel supply challenges: Addressing cost volatility and ensuring operational continuity

• Airline–ground handler collaboration: Aligning performance metrics and accountability

• Human factors: Tackling fatigue, workload pressures, and decision-making in complex environments

• Regulatory readiness: Preparing for the EU Ground Handling Regulation set for 2028

• Baggage operations: Leveraging data sharing to reduce mishandling and delays

• Emerging safety risks: Managing issues such as lithium batteries and mobility aids

The conference will also explore the next evolution of the Standard Ground Handling Agreement (SGHA), a key framework governing relationships between airlines and service providers worldwide.

High-Level Participation

The event will feature a strong lineup of global aviation leaders, including:

• Dr Sameh El Hefny, Egypt’s Minister of Civil Aviation

• Capt. Ahmed Adel, Chairman of EGYPTAIR Holding Company

• Nick Careen, IATA Senior Vice President for Operations, Safety and Security

• Monika Mejstrikova, IATA Director of Ground Operations

A dedicated C-suite session will examine strategic challenges such as workforce transformation, capacity constraints, and digitalization—issues that are reshaping the aviation workforce and operational models.

AI and the Future of Ground Operations

A central theme of the conference is the evolving relationship between humans and machines in aviation operations.

Rather than replacing human roles, AI is increasingly being positioned as a tool to augment decision-making, improve situational awareness, and reduce operational risks.

Industry experts are expected to discuss how predictive analytics, automation, and real-time data can optimize turnaround times, enhance safety compliance, and support frontline staff in high-pressure environments.

Building a More Resilient Aviation Ecosystem

As global aviation continues its recovery and expansion, the IGHC 2026 conference aims to chart a path toward more resilient and adaptive ground operations.

With growing passenger volumes, tighter margins, and rising expectations for safety and efficiency, the integration of technology and human expertise is seen as critical to the sector’s future.

The Cairo gathering is expected to deliver actionable insights and strengthen collaboration across the aviation value chain—ensuring that ground operations keep pace with the rapid evolution of global air transport.