Luis Gallego Elected IATA’s 83rd Board Chair, Rio to Host 82nd AGM
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil confirmed as the location for the next AGM in 2026, hosted by LATAM Airlines Group.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) concluded its 81st Annual General Meeting (AGM) in New Delhi, India, from June 1-2, 2025.
Hosted by IndiGo, the event featured key announcements regarding IATA’s leadership and the destination for its next annual gathering.
IAG’s Luis Gallego Assumes IATA Board Chair
Luis Gallego, CEO of International Airlines Group (IAG), has officially commenced his one-year term as the Chair of the IATA Board. His tenure began at the conclusion of the 81st IATA AGM on June 2, 2025, IATA reported.
Gallego is noted as the 83rd Chair of the IATA Board, having served on it since 2018. He succeeds IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers, who will continue to serve on the Board.
In statements released by IATA, Gallego acknowledged the industry’s significant challenges, including “accelerating environmental action, managing geopolitical shifts and supply chain issues, and dealing with concerns over infrastructure capacity and costs“.
He further highlighted aviation’s inherent strengths, particularly its workforce, stating, “IATA has a vital role in harnessing these human and technical resources to deliver leadership and innovation. I look forward to playing my part in steering IATA in its long mission for a strong and successful airline industry.”
Rio de Janeiro Host for 82nd IATA AGM
The 82nd IATA AGM is confirmed to be hosted by LATAM Airlines Group in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
This will mark the first time the IATA AGM returns to South America since 1999, which also took place in Rio, notes IATA.
Roberto Alvo, CEO of LATAM Airlines Group, commented on the significance of the event’s return to the region, stating:
“It will be a great opportunity to take stock of changes over two decades of development that have seen strengthening air connectivity successfully support major world events like the FIFA World Cup and the Olympics.”
He further noted, “In addition to facilitating a successful gathering of our industry leaders, we look forward to showcasing the contributions and enormous potential for aviation in Brazil and throughout South America.”