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Performance Through People: Driving Safety, Operational Agility, and Crisis Response.
The IATA World Safety and Operations Conference (WSOC) tackles all aspects of safety, flight operations, cabin operations, maintenance, and crisis management (emergency response planning and aircraft recovery). It is an opportunity to meet, network and develop partnerships with aviation professionals and decision-makers, gathered over 3 days under one roof.
The conference features over 45 hours of expert sessions over 4 tracks (Safety, Cabin, Flight Ops, and Crisis Management), provides 15+ hours of exclusive networking opportunities, and showcases the latest innovative solutions from sponsors and exhibitors.
IATA WSOC 2025 gathered more than 850 participants in Xiamen, China.
Who attends?
- Airlines executives and frontline operational staff - pilots, engineers, safety managers, cabin crew, engineers, air traffic controllers, fuel efficiency professionals
- Regulators
- Training Providers
- Emergency Equipment Suppliers
- Accident Investigators
- Original Equipment Manufacturers
- Human Factors Specialists
- Aircraft Recovery Specialists
WSOC 2025 Highlights
WSOC 2026 Announcement
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Help us spread the word about this key conference event. This promotional kit (ppt) can be tailored to your needs.
5 Top reasons to attend?
- Dedicated sessions with industry leaders highlighting state of the industry, how to seize opportunities and address challenges.
- Focused discussions with industry experts on current operational issues impacting aviation; and what IATA and their industry partners is doing about them.
- Identification and understanding of new and emerging industry risk areas and how, collectively, they can be addressed by aviation stakeholders.
- Extensive peer-to-peer networking opportunities with a global audience.
- Opportunity to participate in bespoke workshops provided by IATA, sponsors and exhibitors.
Testimonials
''This was my first time experiencing the IATA conference, and what a grounding, joyful experience it was to reconnect with each other and with our purpose in this industry—"safety is about people." I am grateful and proud to be part of this bright, kind community of leaders, and I look forward to joining again in the future!''
Gabrielle Garner,
Delta Air Lines
“The IATA World Safety Conference is a pivotal gathering for anyone committed to enhancing aviation safety. The wealth of knowledge shared by industry leaders and experts, combined with the collaborative atmosphere, makes it an invaluable experience. The interactive sessions inspire innovative thinking and provide actionable insights that can be implemented in our operations. I highly recommend this conference to all aviation professionals dedicated to improving safety standards.''
Sherylene Patel,
Safair Operations (PTY) LTD
Message from the CEO of Turkish Airlines
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| Registration Type | 2025 Regular rate |
|
| IATA Member Airline | $760.00 |
|
| IATA Strategic Partner | $1,300.00 |
|
| General Public | $1,525.00 |
|
| Airport | $1,450.00 | $1,160.00 |
| Government/Regulator/Institution | $1,450.00 | $1,160.00 |
| Student | $300.00 | $300.00 |
*Early bird rates available until 20 May 2026.
**All rates are tax exclusive
Take advantage of our group rates for Non-IATA Member Airlines. For the purchase of 5 passes, you will receive 1 additional pass at no extra cost, providing you with 6 for the price of 5.
Istanbul
Istanbul is a vibrant city that connects Europe and Asia, celebrated for its stunning Bosphorus shoreline and its historic peninsula filled with iconic landmarks. From the majestic Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque to lively bazaars and atmospheric neighborhoods, the city blends ancient heritage with modern energy. With its rich cultural tapestry, scenic waterfronts, and endless opportunities for discovery, Istanbul is an unforgettable destination for both relaxation and exploration.
Hilton Istanbul Bomonti Hotel & Conference Center
For full details on preferential rates, booking deadlines, check‑in/check‑out times, payment and cancellation policies, as well as hotel services and benefits available to WSOC 2026 delegates, please consult the following document: WSOC 2026 - Hotel Info Delegate (pdf).
Visa requirements
The IATA TravelCentre provides passport, visa, health advice, and much more. Visit the IATA Travel Centre-Passport, Visa & Health Requirements.
Must see spots – Istanbul
- Hagia Sophia: Istanbul’s most iconic landmark, blending Byzantine and Ottoman history in one breathtaking structure.
- Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque): Famous for its striking blue İznik tiles and grand Ottoman architecture.
- Topkapi Palace: Former residence of the Ottoman sultans, featuring lush courtyards, the Harem, and priceless treasures.
- Grand Bazaar: One of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets, offering jewelry, carpets, spices, ceramics, and handicrafts.
- Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar): A vibrant market filled with spices, Turkish delight, teas, and local specialties.
- Bosphorus Cruise: A scenic boat ride between Europe and Asia, offering stunning views of palaces, mosques, and waterfront mansions.
- Galata Tower & Galata District: A historic tower with panoramic city views and charming surrounding streets.
- Sultanahmet Square: The historic heart of the city, surrounded by major monuments and beautiful gardens.
- Dolmabahçe Palace: A lavish 19th century palace known for its European inspired design and crystal staircase.
- Balat & Fener: Colorful, picturesque neighborhoods with steep streets, cafés, and authentic local charm.
- Basilica Cistern: An underground marvel with ancient columns, atmospheric lighting, and the famous Medusa heads.
Before your travel
IATA is providing a visa invitation letter but cannot guarantee your visa issuance. In case you need it, answer “Yes" to the visa letter question during your registration: you will have to enter all the requested details for the letter to be generated. Note that it is mandatory to be fully registered to the World Safety and Operations Conference (WSOC) 2026 to get it. Please ensure you check your visa requirements as soon as possible to prevent any delay in your visa application.
For guidance on visa requirements and further information, you should consult the IATA Travel Centre.
Registration is mandatory for everyone wishing to attend the WSOC. No exceptions will be made.
To register for the WSOC 2026, please use the registration link (not available yet), complete all the requested fields, and proceed with payment for your registration to be valid.
Arrival to Istanbul
Getting from the airport to the venue
- The IATA WSOC 2026 will be held at the Hilton Istanbul Bomonti Hotel & Conference Center. It is a 40-to-50-minute drive from IGA Istanbul Airport (IST), or 60-to-80-minute drive from Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW).
- IGA Istanbul Airport:
- Taxi service is available.
- To check the pick-up points click here and scroll down.
- Uber is available to pick you up from the airport.
- For more information concerning other modes of transportation from this airport, check their official website.
- Sabiha Gökçen International Airport:
- Taxi service is available uninterruptedly 24h a day.
- Map of the SAW Terminal to check the location of taxis, buses, rent a car...
- Uber is available to pick you up from the airport.
- For more information concerning other modes of transportation from this airport, check their official website.
Getting around the city
- Istanbul is a city with a wide offer of public transport, here we provide a list with the official websites to check routes and any additional information that you may need.
- Metro, Tram, Funicular, and Cable Car.
- City Buses and Metrobus (there is also a guide with other modes of transportations).
- Uber is available in Istanbul, from the app a local taxi can be requested.
- Please be aware that traffic in Istanbul can be highly congested, especially during peak hours, so we recommend planning extra travel time to ensure timely arrival at the event.
While in Istanbul
Emergency contacts
- Medical Emergency. Ambulance: 112
- Fire Department: 110
- Police Emergency: 155
- Find more important contacts here
Weather
The maximum average temperature in the first half of October is 21 °C (69.8 °F) and the minimum average is 13 °C (55.4°F), it can be rainy, but there are also sunny days.
Power plug
Türkiye uses power plugs and sockets (outlets) of type F. The standard voltage is 220 V at a frequency of 50 Hz.
Currency
- The official currency in Istanbul is the Turkish Lira (TRY).
- It is recommended to carry some cash with you.
- Tips are not mandatory but a gesture of appreciation.
While at the event
- Dress code: The dress code for the event is business casual.
- Wi-Fi: There is Wi-Fi available in the venue.
- Event app: The WSOC Event App will be available 6 weeks before the event, and will include additional information such as the program, delegates messaging tool, speakers details, sponsors list, exhibition and venue floorplans, and many other logistics details.
To access the Event App:- Scan the QR code provided.
- When prompted, enter the access code that you will receive.
- Then log in using the same email address you used for your event registration.
App Store
Google Play
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Spread the excitement about the event by using the official hashtags #IATAWSOC.
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Help us spread the word!
Help us spread the word about this key conference event. This promotional kit (ppt) can be tailored to your needs.
Showcase your products and services to industry leaders, governments, international organizations, and subject matter experts. For information and sponsorship and exhibition opportunity at World Safety and Operations Conference (WSOC), please complete the form and a member of our team will be in touch.
Join IATA's Strategic Partnership Program
Benefit from discounts on sponsorship and exhibition rates. Get on Board!
World Safety & Operations Conference 2025
The IATA World Safety & Operations Conference 2025 took place in Xiamen, China from 14 to 16 October 2025 with the theme: Futureproofing Aviation: Strategies for Success
A look back at the best bits of WSOC 2025, held in Xiamen, China, gathering over 850 delegates from 62 countries.
World Safety & Operations Conference 2024
The IATA World Safety & Operations Conference 2024 took place in Marrakech, Morocco from 1 to 3 October 2024 with the theme: Embracing Innovation and Technology for Safe and Efficient Operations
- View WSOC 2024 Program (pdf)
- View WSOC 2024 Photo Album
- View WSOC 2024 Sponsors (pdf)
- View WSOC 2024 Highlights
Read the latest WSOC 2024 press releases
- Agreement on Principles for Use of Aircraft Operational Data. Read more
- Aviation Safety Priorities: Global Standards, Culture, and Innovation. Read more
- Morocco’s Aviation Sector Key to Economic Growth. Read more
- IATA and ANAC Work Together to Enhance Aviation Safety. Read more
- WSOC to focus on efficient, safe, and sustainable operations. Read more
World Safety & Operations Conference 2023
The IATA World Safety & Operations Conference 2023 took place in Hanoi, Vietnam from 19 to 21 September 2023, bringing under one roof the previous Cabin Ops Safety Conference (COSC), the IATA Safety Conference, the Emergency Response Planning (ERP) Forum, and the Aircraft Recovery Forum (ARF).
World Safety & Operations Conference 2023 Track Soundbites
- 30 seconds with Matthew Vaughan, IATA’s Director, Security
- 60 seconds with Serkan Simitcioglu, IATA’s Head of IOSA
- 30 seconds with Stuart Fox, IATA’s Director of Flight and Technical Operations
- 30 seconds with Jonathan Jasper, IATA's Senior Manager Cabin Safety
- Mark Searle talks about the 2023 IATA World Safety and Operations Conference
Safety Conference 2022: Emerging Stronger - Safely Transforming to a More Resilient Tomorrow
The IATA Safety Conference 2022 took place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates from 25 to 27 October 2022. It hosted discussions and debates on the industry’s safety and security.
COSC 2022
The Cabin Ops Safety Conference (COSC) 2022 took place in Lisbon, Portugal from 14 to 16 June at the Epic Sana Lisboa Hotel.
- View Cabin Ops Safety Conference 2022 - Program & Presentations (pdf)
- View Cabin Ops Safety Conference 2022 - Photo Album
ERP Forum 2022
The latest edition of the annual Emergency Response Planning (ERP) Forum was held at the IATA Executive Office in Geneva, Switzerland on 26 & 27 October 2022. Find out what was discussed during the ERP Forum 2022:
- ERP Forum Report 2022 (pdf)
Host Airline
Gold Sponsor
Exhibitors
Media Partner
Our Diversity & Inclusion Pledge
IATA believes that diversity of culture, gender, age, orientation, and experience boosts the success of the aviation industry. We actively encourage aviation professionals with diverse profiles to contribute to our events as speakers, panelists, facilitators, or in any other way.