The International Air Transport Association (IATA), that represents some 350 airlines comprising over 80% of global air traffic, has confirmed that its 82nd AGM will be held in Rio de Janeiro from 6 to 8 June 2026 hosted by LATAM Airlines Group.

The last time the IATA AGM was in South America was in 1999, also in Rio, and before that for Brazil was 1947 when it was held in Petropolis.

Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General, said: “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. By meeting in the largest aviation market in South America, the AGM will highlight the great potential for aviation to be an even more powerful strategic force driving social and economic prosperity.”

Appropriately Rio reflects Brazil’s rich history in aviation, dating back to the pioneering efforts of Alberto Santos-Dumont, one of the fathers of aviation, whose historic flight in 1906 marked a significant milestone in the development of powered flight.