The 37th edition of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Ground Handling Conference (IGHC) wrapped up in Nairobi this week, marking a significant milestone for Africa’s aviation sector. Held from May 13 to 15 at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre, the global event brought together top executives and stakeholders from airlines, airports, ground service providers, and aviation equipment manufacturers.
As the world’s leading annual forum for ground handling, IGHC 2025 served as a critical platform for addressing the operational, safety, and sustainability challenges facing the sector. The conference featured high-level panel discussions, technical workshops, and strategy sessions focused on streamlining global ground handling operations.
In his opening remarks, IATA Director General Willie Walsh underscored the importance of resilience, standardization, and innovation in ground services as the aviation industry continues its post-pandemic recovery. “Efficiency and safety are no longer negotiable—they are expectations. Our challenge is to align globally while adapting locally,” he said.
Key themes throughout the conference included digital transformation, the role of automation in ramp operations, and the push for environmentally sustainable ground services. Industry leaders also examined workforce strategies, emphasizing the need to attract and retain talent in an evolving aviation landscape.
Hosting the conference for the first time, Nairobi reinforced its growing status as a regional aviation hub. Kenya Airports Authority Managing Director, Alex Gitari, noted that the choice of Nairobi as host city reflected the continent’s increasing contribution to the global air transport network.
“The IGHC provides a springboard for African ground handlers to engage with global best practices and set new benchmarks for operational excellence,” Gitari said.
With the successful conclusion of the 2025 edition, Nairobi has firmly placed itself on the map as a center for aviation discourse. The city will again welcome global delegates next year, as IATA announced plans to return for IGHC 2026.
Discover more about IGHC 2026 and why Nairobi remains at the heart of ground handling innovation.
Stay informed, stay ahead with The Ameh News
Discover more from Ameh News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
