As India hosted the 81st Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the World Air Transport Summit for the first time in 42 years, Pieter Elbers—CEO of IndiGo and Chair of IATA’s Board of Governors—called it a defining moment for the country’s aviation industry.
“I put my hand up and basically suggested—why not have India as the host of the 81st IATA AGM?” Elbers shared, reflecting on how the idea was born. His reasoning was clear and compelling: India has emerged as the third-largest domestic aviation market in the world, a position that reflects the country’s rising economic and strategic importance on the global stage.
“For a country of this size, with the world’s largest population and soon to be the third-largest economy, the timing couldn’t be better,” Elbers said. He drew parallels to the past: “The U.S. had its aviation boom three decades ago, Europe two decades ago, and China a decade ago. Now it’s India’s time.”
The decision to host the AGM in India has allowed the global aviation community to witness the country’s transformation firsthand. According to Elbers, this opportunity isn’t just about IndiGo—it’s about the entire ecosystem: airlines, airports, industry partners, and the Indian government.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for all of us to showcase how India is transitioning and positioning itself at the forefront of global aviation growth,” he added.
Elbers emphasized that India is no longer just participating in the aviation industry—it is helping lead its next chapter. Hosting the IATA AGM in India reinforces the country’s readiness to shape policy, improve infrastructure, and drive innovation across the aviation landscape.
Under his leadership, IndiGo continues to play a pivotal role in this growth story—not only by expanding operations and building capacity but also by highlighting India’s readiness to take center stage in global aviation dialogue.
As the world’s aviation leaders gather in India, it’s clear that the narrative is changing. With strong leadership, unprecedented growth, and a clear vision, India is no longer preparing for takeoff—it’s already in flight.
