Future Aviation Forum (FAF) 2026
Saudi Arabia's Future Aviation Forum (FAF) returns to Riyadh on 20–22 April 2026 at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center — GACA's ICAO-recognised global leadership forum convening 11,000+ ministers, regulators, airlines, airports, and manufacturers under the theme "Unlocking Global Growth, Designing the Future Sky."
What is the Future Aviation Forum?
The Future Aviation Forum is the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) flagship global aviation policy and investment event — positioned as the premier leadership forum recognised by ICAO. It combines ministerial keynotes, airline and airport CEO panels, and deal-making around Saudi Vision 2030 aviation expansion.
Unlike regional trade fairs, FAF is where Saudi national projects (new airports, airline fleet growth, MRO and manufacturing localisation) are narrated to international suppliers and investors.
FAF 2026 — Riyadh agenda context
GACA announced FAF 2026 amid a third consecutive year of record Saudi aviation growth: 140.9 million passengers and 980,000 flights in 2025. International connectivity reached 176 destinations — 78% above pre-pandemic levels — with 500+ aircraft on order across Saudi carriers and major airport capacity programmes underway.
Programming addresses manufacturing supply chains, capacity constraints, geopolitical disruption, human capital, and sustainability — the procurement subtext is which global suppliers will partner on Saudi airport, airline, and MRO build-out.
- Vision 2030 aviation investment and connectivity targets
- Airport capacity expansion and new city airports
- National airline fleet growth and MRO ecosystem
- Aviation manufacturing and supply-chain localisation
- SAF, emissions, and regulatory leadership
Who attends
FAF draws global regulatory bodies, IATA and ICAO leadership, OEMs (Airbus, Boeing, and engine majors), Gulf and international airlines, airport operators, lessors, and Saudi Vision 2030 project entities. The 2024 edition's 100+ agreements and $20 billion deal volume signals heavy economic-buyer concentration.
For Aviation Souk suppliers, FAF is the highest-intent Saudi procurement networking window of the year — especially for airport systems, GSE, security, and MRO categories tied to GACA and airport authority programmes.
Key themes
Audience mix
Saudi procurement guide for FAF 2026
Treat FAF as the opening move in Saudi aviation capex cycles — announcements here often precede formal tenders for RUH/JED expansions, NEOM aviation assets, and national carrier infrastructure.
Localisation and ICV weight heavily in Saudi awards. Bring a credible in-Kingdom partner or JV structure; spec-only pitches without delivery footprint rarely progress past first meetings.
- Map your category to active GACA and airport authority programmes before arrival
- Prepare Arabic/English capability sheets and Gulf reference installs
- Track deal announcements for competitor incumbency intelligence
- Follow FAF with structured RFQs on Aviation Souk — speed matters after public MOUs
Venue & logistics
- King Abdulaziz International Conference Center (KAICC) — central Riyadh, purpose-built for large ministerial conferences.
- Registration open via futureaviation.gaca.gov.sa.
Travel tips
- RUH is the primary gateway; KAICC is 30–45 minutes from the airport depending on traffic.
- Business visa/e-visa required for most visitors — confirm Saudi entry requirements early.
- April temperatures are warm; plan indoor meetings during midday.
Frequently asked questions
When is Future Aviation Forum 2026?
20–22 April 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia at KAICC.
Who organises FAF?
The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.
How many attendees does FAF expect?
GACA announced 11,000+ global aviation experts and leaders for the 2026 edition.
What was achieved at prior FAF editions?
The 2024 forum reported 100+ agreements worth $20 billion in announced deals.
Is FAF relevant to airport equipment suppliers?
Yes — Saudi airport expansion, security, GSE, and IT programmes are core FAF narrative; economic buyers attend specifically to meet global suppliers.
Going to Future Aviation Forum (FAF) 2026?
Describe what you’re sourcing — Souk surfaces ranked supplier shortlists per category and flags which exhibitors at this show are worth your meeting time.
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