The International Air Transport Association (IATA) confirmed on Friday, 25 that its 78th Annual General Meeting (AGM) and World Air Transport Summit will be held in Doha, Qatar, instead of Shanghai, China, where it was originally planned.
Hosted by Qatar Airways, this will be the second time that the global gathering of aviation’s top leaders will be held in Qatar. It will be held from June 19 to 21.
This news was not too surprising considering the restrictions still maintained by the Chinese government on the international movement of people to contain outbreaks of COVID-19.
The event was originally planned for the same dates in Shanghai hosted by China Eastern Airlines.
According to IATA, the AGM conference is the most important event in the airline industry, which brings together airline executives and suppliers from all over the world.
“It is deeply disappointing that we are not able to meet in Shanghai as planned. In the meantime, we are pleased to be returning to the dynamic aviation hub of Doha and the warm hospitality for which Qatar Airways, our host airline, has become famous,” said Willie Walsh, IATA Director-General.
“This year’s AGM will be an important opportunity for aviation leaders to reflect on the shifting political, economic, and technological realities facing air travel as the industry’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic gathers pace,” he added.
