By : Islam Tawfik
Global Airports Forum (GAF) 2026 continues to strengthen its position as Saudi Arabia's leading platform for airport business, collaboration, and industry innovation. This year's edition will feature the return of the Airport Excellence Awards, an enhanced VIP Buyers Programme, an expanded Business Engagement Programme, and growing international participation through national pavilions, reinforcing the forum's role in advancing the global aviation ecosystem.
The Airport Excellence Awards recognise outstanding organisations, projects, and individuals driving excellence across the aviation ecosystem through 10 award categories. New for 2026, the Facility Performance and Optimization category has been introduced alongside Air Connectivity and Route Development, Airport Design and Infrastructure, Airport Security, Airport Staff Training and Human Capital Development, Baggage Handling, Ground Support Solutions, Innovation and Technology, Passenger Experience, and Sustainability and Environment. The awards have grown significantly in recent years, with the previous edition attracting more than 200 nominations and recognizing 38 winners across 10 categories, reflecting the industry's continued commitment to excellence and innovation.
Commenting on the upcoming edition, 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."
Beyond industry recognition, Global Airports Forum 2026 will deliver an enhanced VIP Buyers Programme designed to connect exhibitors with qualified buyers, creating high-value networking, procurement opportunities, and strategic partnerships.
The enhanced VIP Buyers Programme will bring together senior airport decision-makers, procurement leaders, project owners, and government stakeholders with active purchasing requirements and development responsibilities. The initiative is designed to create meaningful opportunities for exhibitors while helping buyers identify solutions that support airport expansion, operational efficiency, digital transformation, sustainability, and passenger experience.
Complementing the VIP Buyers Programme, the expanded Business Engagement Programme provides a dedicated meetings platform that enables registered participants to schedule pre-arranged one-to-one meetings before and during the event. The programme is designed to maximise networking opportunities, foster meaningful business connections, and accelerate discussions across the aviation ecosystem.
The event is expected to welcome participation from leading airport operators, civil aviation authorities, regulators, and strategic airport development projects from across Saudi Arabia, the GCC, MENA, Africa, and Asia. Organisations currently engaged with the event include Tibah Airports, Red Sea Global, NEOM, Cluster 2 Airports, King Salman International Airport, DACO, JEDCO, Riyadh Airports Company, Royal Commission for AlUla, Office of Civil Aviation and Airports (Tunisia), National Airports Office (Morocco), ENNA (Algeria), Directorate General of Civil Aviation (Kuwait), Civil Aviation Authority (Oman), Bahrain Airport Company, Hamad International Airport, Egyptian Airports Company, Al Najaf International Airport, General Authority of Civil Aviation (Syria), GMR Airports Limited (India), Civil Aviation Agency of Uzbekistan, Pakistan Airports Authority, and Airports Security Force Pakistan.
Further highlighting the event's international appeal, Global Airports Forum 2026 will feature national pavilions from Italy, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, showcasing innovative technologies, services, and solutions supporting the future of airport development worldwide.
As Saudi Arabia continues to advance its aviation ambitions under Vision 2030 and invest heavily in airport infrastructure, connectivity, and passenger growth, Global Airports Forum 2026 will provide a valuable platform for industry stakeholders to connect, collaborate, and contribute to the next chapter of global aviation development.
