The International Air Transport Association will hold the 38th IATA Ground Handling Conference in Cairo, Egypt, from 19 to 21 May 2026, bringing together industry leaders to examine how artificial intelligence and automation will shape airport ground operations. Hosted by EGYPTAIR, the event will focus on integrating human expertise with technology to improve safety and efficiency.
Ground operations face mounting complexity as air traffic volumes increase globally. The conference will explore how artificial intelligence and automation can address operational challenges while maintaining the critical role of skilled professionals in airport environments.
Conference Focus Areas
The IATA Ground Handling Conference will examine practical applications of AI and automation to improve safety, efficiency, and consistency across airport operations. Sessions will address operating in high-risk environments, fuel supply cost volatility, and strengthening partnerships between airlines and ground handlers through shared performance goals.
Additional topics include human factors in operational performance such as fatigue and workload management, preparation for the EU Ground Handling Regulation implementation in 2028, and advancing baggage operations through improved data sharing. The conference will also address key safety risks including mobility aids and undeclared lithium batteries.
Keynote Speakers and Strategic Priorities
Keynote speakers will include Dr Sameh El Hefny, Minister of Civil Aviation of Egypt; Capt. Ahmed Adel, Chairman of EGYPTAIR Holding Company; and Nick Careen, IATA’s Senior Vice President of Operations, Safety and Security. The program will provide a C-Suite perspective on workforce transformation, capacity constraints, and digitalization strategies.
Monika Mejstrikova, IATA’s Director of Ground Operations, stated that ground operations are becoming increasingly complex as traffic volumes grow. She said the conference will focus on combining technology with the expertise of ground handling professionals to deliver safer and more efficient operations, particularly relevant given that airlines in many regions operate in high-risk environments and manage fuel supply challenges.
Egypt’s Role as Aviation Hub
Capt. Ahmed Adel said EGYPTAIR is hosting the global ground handling community at a time of increasing operational complexity. He noted that Egypt plays an important role as a key aviation hub connecting Africa, the Middle East, and beyond, supporting safe and efficient air transport across the region.
The conference will provide a platform to strengthen collaboration across ground handling operations, share best practices, and advance how people and technology work together to improve safety and operational performance. The event will also discuss the next generation of the Standard Ground Handling Agreement, which governs relationships between airlines and ground service providers.
Industry Context and Future Outlook
IATA represents over 360 airlines accounting for approximately 85 percent of global air traffic. The organization regularly convenes industry stakeholders to address emerging challenges and opportunities in aviation operations. The 2026 conference reflects growing recognition that artificial intelligence and automation will play central roles in managing airport operations as traffic volumes continue to increase.
The conference is open to accredited members of the press. For more information, interested parties can contact IATA Corporate Communications at +41 22 770 2967 or [email protected].
