Cairo Hosts IATA Ground Handling Conference — AI Takes Centre Stage

Egypt is showcasing its aviation ambition. Cairo is hosting the 38th IATA Ground Handling Conference (IGHC) from May 19-21, 2026, under the theme “Adapting Ground Operations in an Era of AI” .

What’s being discussed

The conference brings together senior executives, airline leaders, airport operators, and technology experts to explore predictive scheduling, resource allocation, aircraft turnaround optimisation, and baggage handling automation. The focus is on demonstrating how AI complements human expertise rather than replacing it.

Why Cairo?

Egypt hosting reinforces Cairo’s position as a strategic aviation hub linking Africa, the Middle East, and global air transport networks. Egyptian authorities, in coordination with EgyptAir, ensured the venue met global standards for large-scale aviation conferences.

B2B Takeaway

For ground handling providers and airport operators in India and Asia, the conference signals a clear direction — AI–driven ground operations are no longer futuristic but immediate. The Standard Ground Handling Agreement (SGHA) updates being discussed will shape contractual relationships between airlines and ground handlers globally.