The global aviation and logistics landscape is steadily shifting eastwards, driven by the rise of production hubs in Asia and the rapid expansion of logistics gateways in the Middle East. Together, these regions are strengthening supply chain connectivity between Asia, Africa, and Europe, with extended reach to North America.
Reflecting this shift, the International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) has announced that its flagship Air Cargo Forum (ACF) will now be held annually, alternating between its long-standing home in Miami and a newly selected permanent location—Abu Dhabi.
Following a competitive evaluation of venues across the Middle East, the TIACA Board chose Abu Dhabi as the forum’s second permanent base, citing the emirate’s growing role as a multimodal hub where ports and airports collaborate to deliver faster, safer, and more efficient supply chain solutions.
The inaugural Abu Dhabi edition of the ACF will take place from November 3–6, 2025, at the Etihad Arena on Yas Island. Organizers promise a world-class program combining business and networking opportunities with a distinctly regional flavor. Highlights will include the debut Etihad Golf Cup, wellness sessions such as yoga on the beach, and exclusive gatherings at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi.
On the business side, the conference will feature four fireside chats with senior global leaders, two CEO roundtables, and sessions dedicated to the industry’s most pressing themes: market outlook, innovation, digitalization, sustainability, workforce challenges, and a new focus on the Middle East as a global cargo gateway.
Trade disruptions, capacity shifts, and regulatory complexity are expected to dominate discussions, while the return of the SPOTLIGHT stage will allow for deeper dives into industry success stories.
“The ACF has always been the industry’s premier global reunion,” TIACA said. “This expansion reflects where the industry is heading and ensures the forum remains at the heart of air cargo’s future.”
With exhibitor spaces, hotel blocks, and event access expected to sell out quickly, TIACA is encouraging early registration.
