The International Air Transport Association has moved the location of its annual meeting to Qatar due to continuing COVID-19 travel restrictions in China.
The IATA AGM, which brings together the top executives from airlines across the globe, was due to take place in Shanghai from June 19-21, 2022, hosted by China Eastern Airlines (CIAH) (CEA).
However, with China still imposing strict entry restrictions on travelers, IATA has decided to return to Doha for its 78th AGM.
The dates of the meeting are being kept the same. Qatar Airways first hosted the IATA AGM in 2014 in Doha.
“It is deeply disappointing that we are not able to meet in Shanghai as planned,” commented IATA Director General Willie Walsh in a statement on March 25, 2022. “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.”
The AGM will be a chance for discussions on COVID-19 recovery, high fuel prices, efforts to make flying more environmentally sustainable, as well as safety and the war in Ukraine. IATA will also provide updated financial forecasts for the global airline industry.
“This year’s AGM will be an important opportunity for aviation’s 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,” added Walsh.