Global Airports Forum (GAF) 2026 is set to reinforce its position as Saudi Arabia’s leading platform for airport business, collaboration and aviation innovation, bringing together industry leaders, decision-makers and global stakeholders to shape the future of airport development.
The event will take place from November 30 to December 1, 2026 at the Riyadh Front Exhibition and Conference Centre.
The upcoming edition will feature the return of the Airport Excellence Awards, an enhanced VIP Buyers Programme, an expanded Business Engagement Programme and increased international participation through national pavilions.
The Airport Excellence Awards will recognise organisations, projects and individuals contributing to excellence across the aviation sector through 10 categories.
A new Facility Performance and Optimization category has been introduced for 2026, joining existing categories covering air connectivity and route development, airport infrastructure, security, training, baggage handling, ground support solutions, technology, passenger experience, and sustainability.
The awards continue to gain industry recognition, with the previous edition receiving more than 200 nominations and honouring 38 winners, highlighting the sector’s focus on innovation and operational excellence.
GAF 2026 will also expand its VIP Buyers Programme, connecting exhibitors with airport executives, procurement leaders, project owners and government stakeholders seeking solutions for airport expansion, digital transformation, sustainability and improved passenger experiences.
The Business Engagement Programme will further support networking through scheduled one-to-one meetings between participants before and during the event.
The forum is expected to attract airport operators, civil aviation authorities, regulators and major development projects from Saudi Arabia, the GCC, MENA, Africa and Asia.
Participants include organisations such as Tibah Airports, Red Sea Global, NEOM, King Salman International Airport, Riyadh Airports Company, Bahrain Airport Company and Hamad International Airport.
Adding to its global reach, the event will host national pavilions from Italy, France, Germany and the United Kingdom, showcasing technologies and solutions for future airport development.
Daksha Patel, Event Director of Global Airports Forum, said: "Global Airports Forum has evolved into much more than an exhibition and conference. Today, it serves as a platform where airport operators, aviation authorities, infrastructure developers, investors, and solution providers come together to share ideas, build partnerships, and explore opportunities that support the future of aviation. The Airport Excellence Awards complement this mission by recognizing the organizations and individuals driving meaningful progress across the industry." -TradeArabia News Service
