Cairo to Host IATA Ground Handling Conference in May with Focus on AI and Aviation Operations
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) will hold the 38th edition of its Ground Handling Conference (IGHC) in Cairo from 19 to 21 May 2026, hosted by EgyptAir under the theme "Adapting Ground Operations in an Era of AI." The event will bring together senior aviation leaders, industry executives, and IATA officials - including Egypt's Minister of Civil Aviation Sameh El-Hefny - to address the growing role of artificial intelligence, automation, and digital tools in improving safety, efficiency, and operational resilience across airport ground operations. IATA Director of Ground Operations Monika Mejstrikova noted that rapid growth in air traffic and rising operational complexity are driving the industry towards smarter solutions that combine technology with human expertise, particularly in high-pressure and resource-constrained environments.
Conference sessions will cover workforce transformation, capacity constraints, digitalisation, operational resilience, and fuel cost volatility, alongside discussions on airline - ground handler partnerships, baggage data sharing, and safety risks, including mobility aids and lithium batteries. Preparations for the EU Ground Handling Regulation, expected in 2028, and updates to the Standard Ground Handling Agreement (SGHA) will also feature on the agenda. EgyptAir Chairman Captain Ahmed Adel said hosting the conference in Cairo reflects Egypt's strategic role as a regional aviation hub linking Africa, the Middle East, and global markets, adding that the event will strengthen collaboration across the ground handling sector and improve overall operational performance.
Source: Egypt Today
