Iata is to return to Qatar for the second time to hold its annual meeting and world air transport summit after shifting this year’s event from China because of Covid travel curbs.
The decision to change the venue from Shanghai reflects continuing Covid-related restrictions on travel to China, the airline trade association said.
The 78th annual event is to be staged in Doha on June 19-22, hosted by Qatar Airways.
This will be the second time that the global gathering of aviation’s top leaders will be held in Qatar after first being held in the Gulf state in 2014.
Director general Willie Walsh said: “It is deeply disappointing that we are not able to meet in Shanghai as planned.
“In the meantime, we are pleased to be returning to the dynamic aviation hub of Doha and the warm hospitality for which Qatar Airways, our host airline, has become famous.
“This year’s AGM will be an important opportunity for aviation’s leaders to reflect on the shifting political, economic, and technological realities facing air travel as the industry’s recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic gathers pace.”