Inspirational Role Model: Rania Alturki, Executive Vice President, Human Resources, Saudia Group.

High Flyer: Fiona Omondi, Chief Strategy Officer, Tradewinds Aviation Services and Co-Founder, Women in Aviation International, Kenya.

Diversity & Inclusion Team: LATAM Airlines Group

“Aviation competes for talent. In that context, the IATA Diversity & Inclusion Awards inspire the industry with great examples of the many initiatives underway. They are a strong signal to anyone considering working in our amazing industry that there are opportunities without boundaries for all to build rewarding careers in aviation. It is particularly encouraging to see the growing number of women in cockpit roles, on the ground in maintenance and engineering, and in the CEO’s office. There is still much more progress to make, but it’s important to pause and recognise the changes happening and those leading the charge. Congratulations to all those nominated for the Awards and, of course, the winners,” said IATA’s Director General Willie Walsh.

Qatar Airways sponsor the IATA Diversity & Inclusion Awards. With their support, each winner receives a prize of USD25,000, payable either to them or to their nominated charities. 

The 2026 IATA Diversity & Inclusion Awards were presented during the World Air Transport Summit (WATS), which followed the 82nd IATA Annual General Meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. 

Winner Profiles

Inspirational Role Model: Rania Alturki, Executive Vice President, Human Resources, Saudia Group. She joined Saudia Group as the airline’s first female executive with one clear ambition — to create opportunities for female pilots and cabin crew members, and to integrate women into engineering and technical roles in an environment that, for years, remained closed to women. Under her leadership, the group underwent a remarkable transformation, with women now representing approximately 25% of the Saudia Group workforce and playing a key role in supporting the group’s growth, innovation, and transformation. In addition, 56% of cabin crew members are now women, and 34% of all new hires in 2025 were women, up 11% from the year before. Importantly, more than 36 women now serve in different leadership positions across the group. 

High Flyer: Fiona Omondi, Chief Strategy Officer, Tradewinds Aviation Services and Co-Founder, Women in Aviation International, Kenya. Omondi is a trailblazer in Africa’s aviation industry, co-founding Women in Aviation International Kenya to raise awareness of aviation careers and support aspiring professionals through mentorship and outreach initiatives.

Diversity & Inclusion Team: LATAM Airlines Group. The efforts of LATAM Airlines Group and its affiliates focused on increasing the number of female maintenance technicians, which rose from 111 in 2021 to 539 by December 2025 and has continued to grow across the group. LATAM Airlines Group has dismantled gender stereotypes in technical roles and strengthened its workforce by expanding access to skilled talent in this key area of the industry. This demonstrates how inclusion can directly support business resilience and long-term growth.

(Source: IATA)

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“We are excited to bring the 83^rd IATA AGM to China, hosted by Xiamen Airlines.

China is a major player in the aviation industry. China’s airlines are among the top in the world in terms of passenger traffic. And the country is at the forefront of deploying technology and digitalisation to improve efficiency. Hosting the AGM in China will allow the leaders of the global aviation industry to witness first-hand the impressive development of the Chinese market,” said IATA’s Director General Willie Walsh.

“Xiamen Airlines is proud to host the IATA AGM and to welcome our industry colleagues to our home base of Xiamen. China is a vast and culturally diverse country, with many dynamic cities and regions beyond its best-known gateways. Located on China’s southeast coast, Xiamen is an historical port and interface for commerce between China and the rest of the world,” said Xiamen Airlines Char Zhao Dong.

“The opening of Xiang’an International Airport later this year demonstrates how Xiamen is growing its importance as a transportation and business hub. AGM guests can look forward to discovering the rich culture, warm hospitality, coastal beauty, and a relaxed lifestyle that create the distinctive spirit and vitality of Xiamen,” said Xiamen Airlines CEO & President Xie Bing.

The decision to host the 83rd IATA AGM in China was made at the 82nd IATA AGM in Rio de Janeiro, which concluded on 7 June. This is the third time China will host the global gathering of aviation’s top leaders, and the first time it will be held in Xiamen. The AGM was previously held in Shanghai (2002) and Beijing (2012).

(Source: IATA)

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The regional landscape, however, is highly differentiated.

At the geographic centre of the Middle East war, airlines in the region are expected to collectively fall into the red due to weak demand and operational disruptions. All other regions are expected to deliver profits, but at reduced levels from previous projections. Highlights include:

Airlines are expected to achieve a combined net profit of USD23.0 billion in 2026, roughly half of the previously projected USD41 billion. It is also roughly half the USD45 billion net profit estimate for 2025.

The net profit margin is expected to be 2% in 2026, roughly half the previously projected 3.9%. It is also less than half the 4.2% estimate for the 2025 net profit margin.

Net profit per passenger transported is expected to be USD4.50, half the USD9.10 achieved in 2025.

Operating profit in 2026 is expected to be USD48.0 billion (down from USD76.4 billion in 2025) for a net operating margin of 4.1% (down from 7.2% in 2025).

Return on invested capital (ROIC) is expected to be 4.3% (down from 6.6% in 2025). This is below the estimated weighted-average cost of capital of 8.5%. The gap highlights again the structural weakness of the airline industry, where profitability shocks quickly erode capital efficiency. 

Total industry revenues are expected to reach USD1.165 trillion in 2026 (up 9.4% on the USD1.065 trillion in 2025).

The passenger load factor is forecast to continue to set record highs, with airlines expected to fill 84.0% of all seats over the year. That is an improvement on 83.5% in 2025.

Passenger numbers are expected to reach 5.1 billion in 2026 (up 2.4% on 2025). 

Cargo volumes are expected to reach 71.7 million tonnes in 2026 (up 0.2% on 2025).

“War-related disruptions in the Middle East and rising fuel costs have shifted the outlook for airlines for the worse. Globally, airlines are expected to see profitability halve compared to 2025. Profits will shrink from $45 billion in 2025 to $23 billion this year. And margins will shrink from 4.2% to 2.0%. All airline bottom lines are suffering from the rapid 70% rise in jet fuel prices. Some of the additional costs are being recuperated by adjusting prices and improving efficiency, but it will not be sufficient to maintain profitability at the previous year’s level. Smaller carriers that started the year with weak balance sheets are certainly struggling. At the regional level, all are in the black but with sharply reduced financial performance, except in the Middle East. The Gulf carriers face operational uncertainty following a near-complete shutdown of airspace at the outbreak of the war. These carriers are doing an amazing job maintaining connectivity, but major financial impacts are unavoidable,” said IATA’s Director General Willie Walsh.

Even in the best of times, the airline industry as a whole suffers from low margins and returns below the cost of capital. The oil price shock has tested airlines’ financial resilience, with net margins squeezed to 2% globally.

Airlines are bearing the brunt of the fuel price shock. While air fares are rising, airlines are still absorbing part of the hike in their bottom lines. Net profit per passenger is expected to fall to $4.50, half of last year’s level. Under the circumstances, that shows resilience. But it won’t even buy you a hot dog at most of the FIFA World Cup venues, and it does not leave much of a buffer should other costs or taxes start rising,” said Walsh.

Outlook Drivers

Overall revenues are expected to grow by 9.4% to USD1.165 trillion. Revenue per available tonne-kilometre (ATK) is expected to grow by 8.8%. Outside of the extraordinary period of the COVID recovery, an increase of this magnitude occurred only recently, in 2008, when the jet fuel price rose by 40% year-on-year, and in 2010, following the 2009 global financial crisis and a subsequent jump in the price of jet fuel.

Despite significant improvements, revenue growth is expected to lag operating expense growth, with operating expenses of USD1.117 trillion, halving industry-wide net profitability to USD23.0 billion in 2026.

Major macroeconomic factors impacting airlines are expected to deteriorate in 2026, with GDP growth slowing to 2.5% (from 3.4% in 2025), inflation rising to 5.0% (from 4.1% in 2025), and world trade growth slowing to 1.9% (from 4.6% in 2025).

For the full report’s findings, check out Global Outlook for Air Transport Energy in Crisis.

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Held from 1 to 4 June 2026 under the theme “New Frontiers in Tourism,” HTM 2026 attracted more than 100 international participants, including representatives from 75 global buyer companies, over 80 exhibiting organisations, and a strong representation of tourism stakeholders from Nepal and across the region.

Organised by the PATA Nepal Chapter in collaboration with the Nepal Tourism Board, Nepal Airlines, and private-sector partners, the event provided a platform to explore opportunities, foster international partnerships, and shape the future of Nepal’s tourism.

“HTM continues to serve as a catalyst for tourism growth, regional cooperation, and international market connectivity,” said PATA Nepal Chapter Chair Khem Lakai. The theme ‘New Frontiers in Tourism’ reflects our collective ambition to embrace innovation, diversify tourism offerings, and create meaningful travel experiences for future generations.”

The B2B Mart remained the cornerstone of HTM 2026, facilitating productive business interactions between international buyers and tourism suppliers from Nepal and other destinations.

The sessions, held on 3 and 4 June, brought together 75 international buyers and more than 80 exhibitors, resulting in over 2,400 pre-scheduled business appointments and the creation of significant new tourism partnerships.

(Source: PATA Nepal Chapter)

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The MoU reflects the shared ambition of both full-service premium carriers to boost global connectivity for travellers flying between India, Saudi Arabia, and beyond, leveraging the geographical advantages of their hubs at Delhi, Mumbai, and Riyadh.

Subject to regulatory approvals, Air India and Riyadh Air intend to introduce interline and codeshare arrangements that will enable guests to travel seamlessly across each other’s networks with the convenience of a single booking and smoother onward connections via their respective hubs.

The two airlines will also explore collaboration to build reciprocal loyalty programme benefits, cargo services, operational support and digital and technology initiatives. The partnership supports growing demand for travel linked to business, tourism, and family visits, reflecting the deep economic, cultural, and people-to-people ties between Saudi Arabia and India.

Air India Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Campbell Wilson, said: “India and Saudi Arabia are two important growth markets in global aviation today, and the scale and momentum in both countries make this a natural partnership. 

“We look forward to working with Riyadh Air to bring together complementary strengths of the two airlines to unlock that opportunity with a focus on offering our guests more choice across our combined networks and elevating their travel experiences.”

Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas stated: “India is one of the most important and dynamic aviation markets in the world, and this partnership with Air India marks a defining step in Riyadh Air’s mission to connect Saudi Arabia with key global destinations. Together, we will offer guests a seamless, world-class experience that reflects the deep cultural and economic bonds shared between our two nations.”

Since its privatisation in 2022, Air India has expanded its global alliance network. Today, the airline maintains 25 codeshare partnerships and nearly 120+ interline agreements with leading carriers worldwide, providing seamless access for Air India customers to over 1,000 destinations globally.

(Source: Air India)

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The additional frequencies will be introduced in phases to meet growing demand and provide greater flexibility for passengers travelling between the two cities.

The existing two daily flights will increase to three daily flights effective from 5 June, followed by the introduction of a fourth flight from 15 June, with a fifth daily flight resuming during the summer season. The flights will be operated on Boeing 777 and Airbus A350 aircraft.

This expansion reinforces Qatar Airways’ commitment to enhancing connectivity within the region and supporting both business and leisure travel between Qatar and the UAE with up to 35 weekly flights.

Qatar Airways has been steadily restoring its network across the Middle East and is currently operating to over 20 destinations in the region. The airline resumed operations to Dubai (DXB) and Sharjah (SHJ) in April, and restarted flights to Abu Dhabi (AUH) in May.

Building on this momentum, Qatar Airways is continuing the phased restoration and expansion of its global network to over 160 destinations by this summer.

(Source: Qatar Airways)

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The change occurred on 10 April, following the 2025–2026 elections, and a subsequent Union Government ministerial reshuffle that concluded in April. Culture, which had been under the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture since 2016, moved from religious affairs to the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism. Meanwhile, the country’s religious portfolio reverted to a standalone Ministry of Religious Affairs.  

Myanmar International TV noted that the shift expands the role of the hotels and tourism ministry from hotel licensing, travel service regulation, and tourism marketing, to also overseeing Myanmar’s cultural and heritage assets.

“Its unified mandate now explicitly focuses on driving cultural tourism by integrating the management of the private hospitality sector with the preservation of local traditions, fine arts, and heritage conservation,” said Myanmar International TV.

Heading the newly restructured Ministry of Hotels, Tourism and Culture (MHTC) is Union Minister U Maung Myint, who took office in April 2026 following the post-election ministerial reshuffle.

(Source: Ministry of Information, Myanmar)

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“This is a defining moment for Philippine Airlines,” said PAL Holdings, Inc President Lucio C Tan III. “Becoming a member of the oneworld alliance and strengthening Southeast Asia’s representation within the group significantly brings the Philippines and the region closer to the world like never before.

Together with our partners, we will deliver greater choice, consistent journeys, and a world-class travel experience that reflects the warmth of Filipino hospitality.”

Philippine Airlines was invited to join oneworld as a member-designate airline by the oneworld Governing Board, comprising the chief executives of all member airlines. 

“Philippine Airlines’ entry into oneworld supports our long‑term strategic growth and strengthens our connectivity across key markets in the Asia Pacific region,” said American Airlines Chief Executive Officer and Chair of the oneworld Governing Board, Robert Isom. “The airline has a proud heritage and will serve a critical role in our Southeast Asia network.” 

Philippine Airlines will further expand oneworld’s global network, adding 31 destinations throughout the Philippines and beyond. The airline’s growing international network will support customer demand across Asia, North America, Europe, the Middle East and Australia, complementing existing services currently offered by oneworld members.

“Philippine Airlines is a globally respected carrier with a strong commitment to innovation and customer service that aligns with oneworld’s reputation for delivering a premium experience across the travel journey,” said oneworld Chief Executive Officer Ole Orvér. “This decision is an endorsement of oneworld, and its global customer offering. We look forward to welcoming Philippine Airlines into the alliance.”

Following its entry into oneworld, members of Philippine Airlines’ Mabuhay Miles programme will enjoy reciprocal opportunities to earn and redeem miles and points across all oneworld member airlines. The airline’s eligible top-tier customers will enjoy access to oneworld Priority benefits and access to more than 700 premium airport lounges, including oneworld’s branded lounges in Amsterdam’s Schiphol and Seoul’s Incheon airports, as well as First Class lounges and check-in areas, a benefit unique to oneworld fliers.

(Source: Oneworld)

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Organised in conjunction with the Mekong Tourism Forum 2026 and supported by Myanmar’s Ministry of Hotels, Tourism and Culture, the exhibition will convene at Pan Pacific Yangon from 15 to 18 June 2026 and at Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake Yangon from 20 to 30 June 2026.

Curated by travel consultant and art curator Jaffee Yee, the exhibition features the work of three contemporary Myanmar watercolour artists: Arkar Myo, Aung Htet Lwin and Sai Pyae Sone Aye.

Through a collection of watercolour paintings, visitors are invited to experience some of Myanmar’s most iconic destinations, including Shwedagon Pagoda, Mandalay Palace, Shwenandaw Monastery, Inle Lake, Bagan and Hpa-An.

For Yee, the exhibition demonstrates how art can inspire travel and cultural understanding.
“Art captures the spirit of a place,” said Yee. “We hope these paintings encourage visitors to discover more of Myanmar’s culture, heritage and people.”

Its connection with the Mekong Tourism Forum 2026 further highlights the importance of culture as a driver of sustainable tourism. The MTF brings together tourism leaders and industry professionals from across the Greater Mekong Subregion to explore opportunities for collaboration, innovation and responsible tourism development.

About the artists

• Aung Htet Lwin
  Aung Htet Lwin was born in 1991 in Pantanaw, Myanmar. He is a full-time professional artist known for his atmospheric urban landscapes and expressive contemporary watercolour paintings. He graduated from the National University of Arts and Culture (NUAC), Yangon, specialising in painting. 

• Sai Pyae Sone Aye
  Sai Pyae Sone Aye was born in 1980 in Khamti, Sagaing, Myanmar. He is an acclaimed professional watercolour artist. Recognised for his deep mastery of the medium, he is highly celebrated for capturing the unique qualities of light and atmosphere, with a particular focus on urban scenes, vivid landscapes, and natural scenery. 

• Arkar Myo
  Arkar Myo was born in 1992 in Mandalay, Myanmar. He began studying fine art under a private instructor at the age of seven, training diligently for six years. During his childhood as an aspiring artist, he actively participated in numerous national and international competitions. 

About the author 
Andrew J Wood is a respected travel writer, tourism lecturer and hospitality consultant with more than four decades of experience in Southeast Asia’s tourism and hotel industry. A former hotel general manager and regular contributor to regional travel publications, he is widely recognised for his insights into tourism development, destination marketing and sustainable travel.

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