Global Airports Forum 2026 will return to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from 30 November to 1 December 2026 with an expanded agenda focused on airport growth, digital transformation, sustainability, artificial intelligence (AI) and the future of aviation infrastructure.
Entering its fifth edition, the forum will serve as a strategic platform bringing together global aviation authorities, airport operators, infrastructure developers, investors, technology providers, airlines and policymakers to explore emerging trends and collaborative opportunities shaping the next generation of airport ecosystems.
Supported by Matarat Holding and its subsidiaries — Special Integrated Logistics Zone Company (SILZ), Cluster 2, Dammam Airports Company (DACO), Jeddah Airports Company (JEDCO), and Riyadh Airports — the event aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy to position the Kingdom as a leading international aviation and logistics hub.
Taking place at the Riyadh Front Exhibition and Conference Center, the event is expected to attract a strong international presence from airport stakeholders, civil aviation authorities, operators, infrastructure specialists and country pavilions representing key aviation markets, including Italy, France, Germany and the United Kingdom.
Driving the Future of Airport Development
As the global aviation sector undergoes rapid transformation, Global Airports Forum 2026 will place greater emphasis on cross-industry collaboration, knowledge exchange and integrated solutions that support future airport growth across Saudi Arabia, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region and international markets.
The conference programme will address critical areas influencing the evolution of airports, including airport infrastructure expansion, investment and financing, smart airport technologies, digital transformation, passenger experience, sustainability initiatives, security, airspace innovation, future mobility, operational efficiency, workforce development and the application of AI-driven and predictive airport operations.
A series of executive workshops and strategic knowledge-sharing sessions will also provide industry leaders with insights into next-generation airport management models, digital integration and the future of connected aviation ecosystems.
Supporting Saudi Arabia’s Aviation Ambitions
With Saudi Arabia undertaking some of the world’s most significant airport expansion and aviation infrastructure projects, the forum aims to strengthen engagement between government bodies, airport developers, operators, investors, consultants, airlines and technology partners supporting the Kingdom’s aviation transformation.
The 2026 edition will introduce enhanced business engagement initiatives, including an expanded VIP Buyers Programme, dedicated networking platforms and targeted matchmaking opportunities designed to connect exhibitors with airport authorities, government organisations and senior decision-makers from Saudi Arabia, the GCC, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), Africa and Asia.
Additional Saudi-focused initiatives, such as the Saudi Ready exhibitor programme and Guided Innovation Tours, will help participating organisations identify technology solutions, strategic partnerships and business opportunities aligned with the Kingdom’s aviation infrastructure priorities.
Industry Collaboration at the Heart of Aviation Transformation
Commenting on the upcoming edition, Daksha Patel, Event Director of Global Airports Forum, highlighted the importance of industry collaboration during a period of rapid aviation change.
“Global Airports Forum continues to evolve alongside the remarkable transformation taking place within Saudi Arabia’s aviation industry and the wider global airport landscape. As the sector moves into a new era shaped by expansion, digital transformation, sustainability and integrated operations, stronger collaboration and knowledge exchange across the aviation value chain are more important than ever.
“Through this platform, we aim to showcase innovation while fostering meaningful partnerships, strategic discussions and industry insights that will contribute to shaping the future of aviation on both regional and global levels,” Patel said.
By bringing together key stakeholders from across the international aviation ecosystem, Global Airports Forum 2026 is expected to play a significant role in advancing dialogue around airport modernisation, smart technologies, sustainable growth and the development of future-ready aviation infrastructure.
