ATConf/7 2026: Dates, Location, Theme, Agenda and What to Expect?
The global aviation industry is preparing for one of its major policy gatherings of 2026 as the Seventh Worldwide Air Transport Conference (ATConf/7) takes place in Montréal this November.
Organised by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), ATConf/7 will bring together Member States and key aviation stakeholders to discuss the future of international air transport, including connectivity, regulation, resilience, infrastructure financing and emerging technologies.
The conference will focus specifically on the commercial, economic and aero-political aspects of international air transport.
| Event | Seventh Worldwide Air Transport Conference (ATConf/7) |
| Dates | November 16 (10:00 AM ) – 20 (8:00 PM), 2026 |
| Location | Montréal, Canada |
| Venue | ICAO Headquarters |
| Address | 999 Robert-Bourassa Boulevard, Montréal |
| Organizer | International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) |
| Theme | “Air Transport: Powering Global Connectivity, Economic Development and Resilience in a Dynamic World” |
Why ATConf/7 important for Airlines and Airports?
The aviation sector has changed significantly since the previous Worldwide Air Transport Conference.
Airlines and airports are facing new challenges involving passenger demand, infrastructure investment, evolving technologies, economic regulation and the need for greater resilience.
ATConf/7 event expected to provide an opportunity for governments and aviation stakeholders to discuss these changes and consider future policy approaches.
For airlines, airports and aviation businesses, the discussions could have implications for how international air transport develops in the coming years.
Major Aviation Issues on the ATConf/7 Agenda
1. New Air Transport Regulatory Frameworks
One of the key objectives of ATConf/7 is to examine how economic regulatory frameworks can keep pace with changing aviation markets and technologies.
ICAO plans to look at how data can help regulatory approaches respond to evolving market conditions. This could become particularly important as airlines, airports and other aviation businesses increasingly rely on digital technologies and data-driven operations.
2. Global Air Connectivity
International connectivity remains one of the most important issues for airlines and airports. Better connectivity can support tourism, trade, business travel and regional economic development.
ATConf/7 will provide a global forum to discuss how international air transport can continue supporting connectivity while responding to changes in the aviation market.
3. Aviation Infrastructure Investment
Airport and aviation infrastructure requires significant long-term investment. ATConf/7 will consider ways to mobilize blended financing for aviation infrastructure. This could be particularly relevant for developing markets where airport expansion, modernization and supporting infrastructure are needed to accommodate future traffic growth.
4. Airline and Aviation Industry Resilience
Recent disruptions have highlighted the importance of resilience across the aviation sector. ATConf/7 will examine issues affecting industry resilience, including areas such as supply chains, workforce, market access and emergency response.
For airlines and airports, building resilience is increasingly important as the industry prepares for future disruptions and changing operating conditions.
5. Emerging Aviation Technologies
Technology is changing how airlines and airports operate. From digital passenger services to new aviation technologies, the industry is entering a period of rapid transformation. It will examine the economic policy foundations needed to support emerging technologies and innovation in international air transport.
6. Consumer Protection
Passenger expectations have changed considerably, particularly around digital services, disruption management and communication. Consumer protection will therefore remain an important part of the wider air transport policy discussion. The conference is expected to consider how aviation policy can continue protecting consumers while allowing the industry to adapt to changing market conditions.
Sustainable Growth Will Also Be a Key Focus
- The future growth of aviation cannot considered separately from sustainability.
- ICAO has identified sustainable and inclusive growth of the air transport sector among the objectives of ATConf/7.
- For airlines and airports, this means balancing increasing demand for air travel with economic, environmental and operational challenges.
Who will Participate in ATConf/7?
ATConf/7 primarily designed for ICAO Member States and invited aviation stakeholders.
ICAO says registration for the conference limited to invited participants. However, companies and organisations can participate through official exhibition and sponsorship opportunities.
The event is expected to attract senior government officials, aviation policymakers, industry leaders and representatives of international and regional organisations.
ATConf/7 Programme and Aviation Working Papers
ICAO is preparing working papers for the conference, with documentation covering the individual agenda items.
The official programme developed by ICAO, while additional conference documents are published through the ATConf/7 website.
This documentation will be useful for aviation professionals who want to follow the policy discussions before the conference begins.
How to Register for ATConf/7 (ICAO) Event?
** Registration for this conference is limited to invited participants.
- Visit Online Registration
- Participants must provide original credentials for the meeting.
- Advance credentials: Copies of the credentials should be sent to the Secretary General at ATConf7@icao.int by 20 October 2026.
- Original credentials: Originals must be presented no later than the registration process at the conference. ICAO also recommends sending them in advance to the address specified on the credentials page.
- Exhibition and sponsorship: If you are not an invited participant, ICAO says participation may still be possible through official exhibition or sponsorship opportunities.
- Registration fee: The official registration information does not list a general public registration fee, because attendance restricted to invited participants.
Event Address:
ICAO HQ
999 Robert-Bourassa Boulevard
Montréal, CANADA, H3C 5H7
Contact Information: ATConf7@icao.int
ATConf/7 and the Future of Airlines and Airports
For airlines and airports, ATConf/7 is more than another aviation conference. The policy discussions could influence how governments and the international aviation sector approach air connectivity, economic regulation, infrastructure investment, emerging technologies and resilience.
With international air travel continuing to evolve, the conference could provide important direction on how the industry prepares for the next stage of global aviation growth.
Can Anyone Attend ATConf/7?
No. ICAO states that registration is limited to invited participants. Organisations can also explore official exhibition and sponsorship opportunities.
Final Takeaway
ICAO ATConf/7 2026 will be an important global aviation policy event to watch.
Taking place in Montréal from November 16–20, the conference will bring international aviation stakeholders together to discuss the future of air transport, with particular attention to connectivity, regulation, infrastructure, resilience, technology and sustainable growth.
For airlines, airports, aviation companies and industry professionals, the outcome of these discussions could offer useful insight into the direction of international air transport in the years ahead.