https://www.iata.org/en/pressroom/opinions/The Opinions blog gathers insights from IATA leadership on critical current aviation matters.Sat, 18 Apr 2026 07:08:50 Zhttps://www.iata.org/en/pressroom/opinions/slot-relief-during-the-iran-crisis-why-flexibility-matters-now/How regulators can make fair, consistent decisions when war and fuel shortages disrupt normal flight operations.Tue, 14 Apr 2026 03:00:00 Zhttps://www.iata.org/en/pressroom/opinions/how-soon-will-ai-revolutionize-our-industry/How fast will we see these AI applications implemented? It’s happening right now. Airlines are making heavy investments in data and Large Language Models (LLMs). The first step is to ensure that trusted frameworks for sharing data are developed. Thu, 09 Apr 2026 04:00:00 Zhttps://www.iata.org/en/pressroom/opinions/the-hidden-cost-of-blocked-funds/Despite selling tickets and providing services, millions of dollars in airline revenue remain trapped in countries for extended periods of time. In aviation, this problem is known as blocked funds, and it’s a serious threat to global connectivity and economic growth.Tue, 27 Jan 2026 04:00:00 Zhttps://www.iata.org/en/pressroom/opinions/gcc-unified-civil-aviation-authority-a-strategic-leap-forward-for-regional-aviation/The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has taken a landmark step: the creation of a Unified GCC Civil Aviation Authority. This initiative is an effort that we all hope will build a stronger, safer, and more efficient air transport system for the GCC. Thu, 15 Jan 2026 04:00:00 Zhttps://www.iata.org/en/pressroom/opinions/five-key-risks-that-will-shape-2026/In 2026, risks abound. Having a view of what these might entail is important for planning and decision-making and the impact they may have on airlines. Five areas loom particularly large in the year ahead.Fri, 09 Jan 2026 09:00:00 Zhttps://www.iata.org/en/pressroom/opinions/the-quiet-giant-why-air-freight-deserves-greater-recognition-and-fair-access-to-airport-slots/While air cargo matters more than ever to our modern way of life, it is increasingly at the back of the queue for airport slot coordination.Wed, 10 Dec 2025 09:00:00 Zhttps://www.iata.org/en/pressroom/opinions/putting-data-to-work-for-a-stronger-aviation-industry/The air transport industry generates vast amounts of data. Collecting and using this data can make air travel more predictable, environmentally responsible, and potentially more affordable.Mon, 01 Dec 2025 04:00:00 Zhttps://www.iata.org/en/pressroom/opinions/apra-report-relies-on-flawed-comparators-and-ignores-long-term-delay-trends/A recent paper regarding EU261, from the Association of Passenger Rights Activists (APRA), a coalition of airline compensation claims companies, attempts to introduce some data in the debate, but it is a deeply flawed analysis. Mon, 24 Nov 2025 08:00:00 Zhttps://www.iata.org/en/pressroom/opinions/whats-holding-back-digital-travel/Imagine never needing a paper passport at the airport. You simply scan your face—no check-in desk, no printed boarding pass, no fumbling for documents. This isn’t science fiction. It is the future airlines and airports are actively building. So why are we not all traveling this way yet? Mon, 17 Nov 2025 06:00:00 Zhttps://www.iata.org/en/pressroom/opinions/five-tax-and-spend-ideas-for-uk-chancellor-rachel-reeves-to-boost-uk-air-transport-competitiveness/We suggest five ideas for UK Chancellor Rachael Reeves to reform tax and spending to help boost UK aviation competitiveness and thus the long-term strength of the UK economy and its public finances.Fri, 07 Nov 2025 11:00:00 Zhttps://www.iata.org/en/pressroom/opinions/clarity-before-cop30/The world’s attention will be focused on COP30 in Brazil over the coming two weeks. As with all COPs, it’s an important opportunity to take stock of where we are at regarding the efforts to decarbonize air transport.Wed, 05 Nov 2025 09:00:00 Zhttps://www.iata.org/en/pressroom/opinions/a-reflection-on-the-outcomes-of-icao-42nd-assembly/The 42nd Assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) which concluded earlier this month was the perfect reminder of one the fundamental tenants of global aviation—global standards.Tue, 21 Oct 2025 02:00:00 Zhttps://www.iata.org/en/pressroom/opinions/europe-cant-afford-the-european-parliaments-gold-plated-wish-list-for-eu261/The European Parliament showed its hand regarding the long-awaited reforms to EU261 passenger rights regulation—and it’s a misguided wish-list. Almost every element of the proposal adds protections, complications, and costs. Costs that Europe cannot afford.Thu, 16 Oct 2025 11:00:00 Zhttps://www.iata.org/en/pressroom/opinions/turning-saf-promises-into-saf-production/The world’s governments will gather to focus on the development of global aviation at the 42nd ICAO Assembly. Turning targets, promises, and pledges of support for the development of SAF into actual SAF production should be top of mind.Fri, 19 Sep 2025 02:00:00 Zhttps://www.iata.org/en/pressroom/opinions/timely-accident-reports-strengthen-aviation-safety/Given the importance of accident investigations to improving safety, the 193 member states of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) set out clear expectations, including timelines and scope, for accident reporting in an international treaty known as the Chicago Convention.Mon, 15 Sep 2025 11:00:00 Zhttps://www.iata.org/en/pressroom/opinions/why-corsia-matters/This September, global aviation leaders will convene for the 42nd ICAO Assembly. IATA's SVP Sustainability & Chief Economist Marie Owens Thomsen discusses the significance of CORSIA—the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation.Fri, 12 Sep 2025 16:00:00 Zhttps://www.iata.org/en/pressroom/opinions/ten-years-icaos-core-principles-consumer-protection/A strengthened and supported ICAO Core Principles on Consumer Protection will ensure that on the rare occasion things go wrong, passengers get the right and proportionate support.Wed, 10 Sep 2025 12:00:00 Zhttps://www.iata.org/en/pressroom/opinions/navigating-turbulent-skies-with-certainty/Airlines use real-time data and AI tools to manage turbulence through the Turbulence Aware program, aiming to improve safety and ensure more comfortable flights.Mon, 18 Aug 2025 02:00:00 Zhttps://www.iata.org/en/pressroom/opinions/operating-safely-in-a-more-conflict-ridden-world/Recent conflict in the Middle East understandably has passengers asking what measures are in place to keep flying safe when there are military activities including missile launches.Wed, 25 Jun 2025 02:00:00 Zhttps://www.iata.org/en/pressroom/opinions/iata-80/On 19 April 1945, 80 years ago, 57 airline leaders met in Havana, Cuba to form a unique association of airlines that would promote safe, regular and economical transport for the benefit of the peoples of the world, to foster air commerce, and to study the problems connected therewith.Wed, 23 Apr 2025 08:00:00 Zhttps://www.iata.org/en/pressroom/opinions/willie-walsh-india-aviation-industry/"2025 will be an exciting year for Indian aviation. June will be a highlight when Delhi will turn into the global aviation capital for the 81st IATA Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit, sponsored by IndiGo."Mon, 31 Mar 2025 05:00:00 Zhttps://www.iata.org/en/pressroom/opinions/interview-with-willie-walsh-at-wings-of-change-europe/Read IATA's Director General's interview at Wings of Change Europe.Thu, 05 Dec 2024 06:00:00 Zhttps://www.iata.org/en/pressroom/opinions/an-overview-of-unfccc-cop29-in-baku/IATA's SVP Sustainability & Chief Economist Marie Owens Thomsen reflects on UNFCCC COP29, where IATA provided input into two streams of negotiations relevant to aviation.Wed, 27 Nov 2024 06:00:00 Zhttps://www.iata.org/en/pressroom/opinions/the-right-policies-for-air-transport-can-help-the-new-european-commission-in-its-focus-on-competitiveness/IATA's Director General Willie Walsh reflects on a report from Mario Draghi into the future competitiveness of the EU, which had some interesting policy recommendations for the aviation sector.Fri, 20 Sep 2024 03:00:00 Zhttps://www.iata.org/en/pressroom/opinions/the-crowdstrike-it-outage-carries-lessons-for-regulators/IATA's Director General Willie Walsh reflects on the CrowdStrike IT outage on Friday 19 July 2024.Tue, 30 Jul 2024 01:00:00 Zhttps://www.iata.org/en/pressroom/opinions/why-the-eu-mrv-on-non-co2-emissions-should-be-voluntary/IATA's Director General Willie Walsh explains IATA's position on the EU Measurement, Reporting and Verification (MRV) process on non-CO2 emissions.Wed, 10 Jul 2024 02:00:00 Zhttps://www.iata.org/en/pressroom/opinions/net-zero-industrial-act-is-a-tremendous-opportunity-for-eu-states/Marie Owens Thomsen, IATA's SVP Sustainability & Chief Economist, reflects on the opportunity represented by the Net Zero Industrial Act (NZIA) for EU states.Thu, 08 Feb 2024 07:00:00 Zhttps://www.iata.org/en/pressroom/opinions/conrad-cliffords-thoughts-from-cop28/"As my IATA chapter closes, I’m full of optimism for the future of aviation".Sun, 10 Dec 2023 23:00:00 Zhttps://www.iata.org/en/pressroom/opinions/setting-the-record-straight-on-inflation-and-airfares-in-europe/IATA's Director General Willie Walsh shares his thoughts about data used to measure inflation and airfares in Europe.Tue, 21 Nov 2023 03:00:00 Zhttps://www.iata.org/en/pressroom/opinions/creating-a-virtuous-circle-of-investment-in-sustainable-aviation-fuel/Marie Owens Thomsen, IATA Senior Vice President Sustainability & Chief Economist, reflects on the need to create a virtuous circle in investment for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).Tue, 17 Oct 2023 05:00:00 Zhttps://www.iata.org/en/pressroom/opinions/thoughts-on-icaos-role-in-data-protection/Conrad Clifford, IATA Deputy Director-General and Corporate Secretary, reflects on ICAO’s role in data protection.Thu, 12 Oct 2023 07:00:00 Zhttps://www.iata.org/en/pressroom/opinions/air-navigation-service-providers-should-be-forced-to-pay-for-their-service-failures/The failure of 28 August should be considered as merely the most egregious example of the ongoing failure of air navigation services across Europe.Wed, 06 Sep 2023 13:00:00 Zhttps://www.iata.org/en/pressroom/opinions/environmental-grandstanding-wont-help-us-reduce-emissions/Rafael Schvartzman, IATA’s Regional Vice President for Europe, says airlines need the correct support to achieve net zero in the region.Mon, 22 May 2023 15:00:00 Zhttps://www.iata.org/en/pressroom/opinions/learning-covids-lessons-to-be-ready-for-the-next-health-crisis/Conrad Clifford, IATA’s Deputy Director General, has three ‘asks’ of governments concerning lessons from the global pandemic.Mon, 22 May 2023 08:00:00 Zhttps://www.iata.org/en/pressroom/opinions/aviation-provides-critical-relief-in-crises/Each and every day airlines make an enormous positive contribution to humanity by connecting people, cultures, businesses, and economies.Sun, 21 May 2023 22:00:00 Zhttps://www.iata.org/en/pressroom/opinions/european-politicians-need-to-get-real-about-aviation-and-environment/Willie Walsh explains why Europe should take action on the Single European Sky to significantly reduce CO2 emissions. Wed, 21 Dec 2022 14:00:00 Zhttps://www.iata.org/en/pressroom/opinions/is-this-the-end-of-airline-deregulation-in-the-united-states/Doug Lavin, IATA’s Vice President, Member and External Relations, North America says re-regulation of the US market will not deliver consumer benefits.Sun, 18 Dec 2022 23:00:00 Zhttps://www.iata.org/en/pressroom/opinions/statement-on-the-unlawful-invasion-of-ukraine/Willie Walsh appalled by recent events that are happening in Ukraine.Sun, 27 Feb 2022 14:00:00 Zhttps://www.iata.org/en/pressroom/opinions/slots-rules/Willie Walsh explains why slots rules should respond to demand and cater for flexibility in today's volatile environment. Tue, 18 Jan 2022 16:00:00 Zhttps://www.iata.org/en/pressroom/opinions/omicron-variant/Willie Walsh views on governments reactions to the Omicron variant. Travel restrictions won't stop the spread, they will harm people and economies.Tue, 30 Nov 2021 13:00:00 Zhttps://www.iata.org/en/pressroom/opinions/reflections-on-9.11On September 11, 2001, the world changed forever. At a time when the world’s attention is focused on COVID-19, commemorating the tragic events of 9.11 is crucially important.Sat, 11 Sep 2021 12:00:00 Zhttps://www.iata.org/en/pressroom/opinions/eu-commission-blindness-on-slot-rules/It is difficult enough for the airline industry battling the pandemic with demand down 80% without also finding hands are tied by regulators bungling the issue of slots. Thu, 01 Jul 2021 10:00:00 Z