Global Airports Forum—Global Aviation Issues Conference
CONFERENCE CANCELLED
November 30–December 1, 2026
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
A Partnership with
Main Global Airports Forum Sponsor
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Conference Cancelled
The Global Aviation Issues Conference, scheduled for November 30–December 1, 2026, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, has been cancelled due to regional security concerns.
We regret any inconvenience this decision may cause and sincerely appreciate the interest and support of our participants, speakers, sponsors and partners.
For questions regarding registration, sponsorships or existing event arrangements, please contact the AAAE–IAAE team directly.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support of international collaboration across the global aviation community.
Monday, November 30
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Networking Breakfast
9-10 a.m.
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Welcome and Overview
10-10:15 a.m.
Speakers:
Heba Gouda, Vice President, Global Operations, American Associations of Airport Executives
Jorge Hernandez, IAAE Chair, CEO Aerostar Airports
Puerto RicoRaed bin Hassan Al-Idrissi, CEO, MATARAT
H.E. Abdulaziz Al-Duailej (TBI)
President, GACA (Saudi Arabia) -
Opening discussion - AI-Driven Transformation of Aviation Systems: Security, Resilience, and the Future of Seamless Operations
10:15 – 10:30 a.m.
Keynote Speaker
Bob Kwik (invited)
Worldwide Head of Airports and Ground Transportation
Amazon Web Services -
SESSION 1- Strategic Transformation Aviation Through AI
10:30 – 11:15 a.m.
Explore how Artificial Intelligence is driving organizational transformation across the aviation industry, not just technology adoption. Panelists will discuss and deliver case-studies how AI is reshaping master planning, operational decision-making, and organizational strategy, while leveraging tools such as digital twins and autonomous systems. The session will also address governance risks, human oversight, and the balance between AI-driven automation and responsible management, highlighting how airports, airlines, and aviation stakeholders can transform their organizations to be more agile, efficient, and future-ready.
Moderator:
Susan Warner, A.A.E., I.A.P
SWD Strategic Advisory
Strategic Decision-Making, Business Planning & Managing Uncertainty for Global AirportsSpeakers:
Bader Al Aydi
Chairman Aviation Department, PSU
Swati Unikrishnan
Head of Marketing, Consultancy & Innovation
SITAAbdullah Al Raimi
COO, Madina Airport
Majdi Alamri
Risk Management Director
General Authority of Civil AviationHéctor Pujadas
Airport Operations Executive | AOCC & Operations Transformation | AAM & eVTOL Integration Specialist -
Global Strategy, Security & Leadership
11:15 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Global leaders set the context for aviation in 2027 based on what they experienced in 2026, discuss how they addressed known security risks and future threats, drone threats, facilitate smart borders, sustainability pressure, rapid Middle East growth, and Saudi Arabia’s emerging global aviation leadership. IMO, you could fit your strategic transformation thought into this discussion, particularly as it relates to Saudi Arabia.
Moderator:
Jorge Hernandez
CEO
Aerostar Airports, Puerto Rico
Speakers:Mohamed Rahma
Director Air Transport Bureau
ICAOGerardo del Caz
General Manager
Altitudes Professional Services
IATA & ACI InstructorYousef Al Jaouni Gonzalez
Managing Director Middle East , Aviation Division
AETECRonald F. Mathieu C.M. (invited)
President & Chief Executive Officer
Birmingham Airport Authority
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Networking Lunch and Visit with Global Airports Forum Exhibitors
12- 1 pm
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SESSION 3- Aviation Cyber Threats - Protecting Critical Infrastructure
1 – 2 p.m.
As aviation becomes increasingly digital and interconnected, cyber threats pose a growing risk to airports, airlines, and air traffic systems. This session will explore the latest strategies for safeguarding critical aviation infrastructure, from threat detection and incident response to regulatory compliance and collaborative defense. Panelists will share insights on emerging cyber risks, resilience best practices, and real-world case studies to help the industry stay one step ahead in protecting passengers, operations, and reputation.
Moderator:
Jeanne Olivier, A.A.E., IACE
Past Chair AAAE & Airport Management AdvisorSpeakers:
Adnan Alghamdi
VP Advisor of Security Service
GACAHany Bark
Senior Vice President Aviation & Maritime Security, MedAire
Captain Ahmed AlZuhairi
Vice President of Safety, Riyadh AirEng. Naveed Yousuf
Cybersecurity GRC Expert
Saudi Data & AI Authority (SDAIA)
Dr. Fatimah Alakeel
Cybersecurity and AI Expert & Assistant Professor
King Saud UniversityDavid Nieto (TBC)
Vice President, Cyber threat intelligence in aviation
Aviation ISAC
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SESSION 4 -Next-Generation Airport Ecosystems: AAM, Digital -Infrastructure, and Future Connectivity
2 – 3 p.m.
Airports are evolving into fully connected ecosystems designed to support the next era of aviation. This session will explore how advanced air mobility (AAM), immersive technologies such as the metaverse, smart digital infrastructure, and integrated connectivity are reshaping airport design, operations, and regional transportation networks. Experts will discuss how airports can prepare for emerging technologies, align infrastructure with future demand, and build flexible, future-ready environments that enhance capacity, efficiency, and passenger movement while supporting long-term growth.
Sponsored by InterVistas
Moderator:
Adrien Robin
Business Development Manager, Aviation Logistics
Saudi Business Travel (SBT)Speakers:
Steven Derengowski, CM, IACE
Director, Innovation
InterVISTAS Consulting
Rasha Alshami
CEO & Managing Director
LYNEports Inc.Borja blond
Head of Innovative Air Mobility
Aloula Aviation, Saudi Arabia
Mohammed Al Bayoud
Expert of Advance Air Mobility Regulations
GACA
Husam Al Zahrani
Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Expert
Cluster 2 Airports
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Networking Coffee Break
3 – 3:30 p.m.
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SESSION 5 - Passenger and Baggage Screening
3:30- 4:15 p.m.
This session explores how emerging screening technologies, automation, and risk-based security approaches are transforming passenger and baggage processing. Industry leaders will discuss advancements in imaging systems, AI-enabled screening, operational efficiency, and how airports can enhance security while improving passenger flow and the overall travel experience.
Moderator:TBD
Speakers:
Navaid Ahsan
Head of Aviation Security Operations
Etihad Airways
Kashif Khalid
Regional Director Operations, Safety & Security - Africa &
Middle East, IATA
Elena Savin (TBC)
IT Business Systems Analyst
Rapiscan
Fahad Alabdulsalam (invited)
Aviation Solutions Director
Riyadh Airports -
Session 6- The Aviation Workforce of Tomorrow: Talent Strategy for a High-Growth Era
4:15 – 5:15 p.m.
As the Middle East and global markets pursue aggressive expansion, the availability of skilled human capital remains the single greatest risk to execution. This session examines the "war for talent" across critical functions—from pilots and ATC to digital architects and sustainability experts. Panelists will explore strategies for attracting Gen Z, nationalizing workforces (localization) effectively, and re-skilling existing teams to thrive alongside the AI and automation technologies discussed earlier in the program.
Moderator:
Maxim Romanenko, ACI & ICAO, IAP
International Airport Professional
Aviation Management ExecutiveSpeakers:
Dr. Bader Al Aydi
Chairman, Aviation Department
Prince Sultan UniversityNatalie J. SalinasFounder & CEONth Consulting GroupWahhaj H. Motawie
President
Saudi Academy of Civil Aviation (SACA)
Captain Ismael Koshi
Saudia AcademyMichelle Treanor
Director, Talent & Development
DAAI Dublin AirportDr. Pepina Miteva
Aviation HR Consultant
Aviation HR Excellence
Tariq Almuzini
Vice President, Human Capital
Matarat Holdings
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Official VIP Dinner
7-9 p.m.
Hosted by General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA)/MATARAT Holding
Tuesday, December 1
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Networking Breakfast
9:30-10:30 a.m.
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SESSION 7- Passenger Expectation and Trust, in the Digital Age
10:30-11:15 a.m.
As passengers increasingly rely on digital tools throughout their journeys, trust has become closely linked to data security, transparency, and reliable communication. This session will explore how airports can meet and exceed passenger expectations by delivering seamless, personalized, and accessible experiences, while maintaining operational resilience. Panelists will discuss strategies for leveraging real-time digital communication, social media, and technology-driven solutions to protect reputation, ensure data privacy, and build long-lasting passenger trust in both routine operations and during disruptions.
Moderator: TBD
Speakers:
Hesham A. Saeed
Vice President of Operations, Ports Projects Management and Development (PPMDC)Sadaqat Ali
Vice President of Strategy and innovation
Qatar AirwaysAlshaima Alshayeb
Corporate Environment & Sustainability Manager
Matarat HoldingMikołaj Lis (invited)
Deputy Director R&D
Dimark -
Keynote: The Future of Air Traffic Management: Intelligent Airspace, Advanced Aerospace Systems, and Integrated Operations
11:15 – 11:30 a.m.
Speaker:
Eng. Ayman Arab (invited )
Chairman and CEO
Egyptian Holding Company for Airports and Air Navigation (EHCAAN)
Naif Ali Al-Abri (invited)
President
Civil Aviation Authority, Oman
Ibrahim Al Jabri (invited)
General Manger, Air Traffic Management
GACA either to speak or keynote -
SESSION 8 - Strategic ATM- Transformation (Capacity, Airspace and Operational Planning for Future Aviation Growth)
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
This session will examine congestion, airspace complexity, slot reform, civil–military coordination, and collaborative decision-making as global and Middle East aviation expands. Panellsts will explore how future traffic growth, including Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), can be integrated into operational planning, addressing efficient capacity management, throughput optimization, and coordination with ANSPs, regulators, and other aviation stakeholders to ensure safe, future-ready airspace.
Moderator:
Jaime Brea
Director, the Middle East
ITAérea
Speakers:
Santi Cortés Burns
CEO
ENAIRE Global Services
Marzouq Al Ghamdi
Senior Instructor of Air Traffic Control
SACA
Brendan Ginn
Head of Safety
Sharjah ATC
Saleh Al Zahrani (invited)
Chief of ATM
SANS
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Networking lunch and visit with GAF Exhibitors
12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
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Session 9: Intelligent Airspace: (AI, Agentic Systems and the Future of ATM
1:30 – 2:15 p.m.
This session explores how artificial intelligence, agentic systems, and advanced automation are transforming Air Traffic Management (ATM). The discussion will focus on emerging operational concepts, decision-support technologies, and the shift toward more autonomous, data-driven airspace systems. Panelists will examine how these innovations can enhance safety, efficiency, and capacity while shaping the future architecture of global air traffic management.
Keynote:
Khalid Atiya (invited)
CEO
NERAModerator:
Kevin R. Bumen, A.A.E., C.A.E.
Chief Commercial Officer | Commercial
San Francisco International AirportSpeakers:
Vincenzo Smorto
CTO
ENAV sabrina.volpi@enav.it
Johnson Philips
Head of ANS Projects
GANS
Richard Ellis (TBC)
Director New Airspace Users, NATS
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Session 10- Future Airspace Integration: Interoperability, Cross-Border Coordination & New Airspace Users
2:15- 3 p.m.
This session explores how aviation stakeholders are advancing cross-border airspace coordination and interoperability while integrating drones, eVTOL, and advanced air mobility (AAM). Panelists will discuss key operational, regulatory, and collaboration strategies to enable a safe, efficient, and future-ready airspace ecosystem.
Moderator:
Gerardo del Caz
General Manager
Altitudes Professional Services
IATA & ACI InstructorSpeakers:
Khurram Qureshi
Head of Portfolio & Stakeholder Management
Dubai Air Navigation Services (Dans)
Dubai International Airport
Mohammed Al Bayoudh
Executive Safety Regulations Department
Aviation Safety and Environmental Sustainability
GACA
Khalid Al Harthi
Advisor, VP Strategy
GACAAhmed Alsaabri (invited )
Director Aviation and Airports Safety
DCAA -
Session 11- Delivering Net-Zero Aviation: Aviation Ecosystem Commitments and the Role of Air Traffic Management
3:15-4 pm
Achieving net-zero aviation requires coordinated action across the aviation ecosystem. This session will explore industry sustainability commitments and highlight the role of Air Traffic Management in reducing emissions through optimized flight operations, improved airspace efficiency, and operational innovation, while maintaining safety and capacity.
Moderator:
Kevin R. Bumen, A.A.E., C.A.E.
Chief Commercial Officer | Commercial
San Francisco International AirportSulaiman Almuhaimedi (TBI )
EVP
Aviation Safety & Environmental Sustainability, GACAEssa Almalki (TBI )
Director of Transport Department
Qatar Civil Aviation AuthorityMarc Vettovaglia (TBI )
Chief Air Traffic Control
Sky guide
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Conference Adjournment & Closing Remarks
4 p.m.
Contact Information
Educational Program & Registration
Heba Gouda
+1.703.797.2545
Sponsorship & Exhibits
Holly Ackerman
+1.703.578.2507
