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The IATA Ground Handling Conference (IGHC) is the premier annual ground handling conference in the world. It brings together industry leaders from airlines, airports, ground service providers, and manufacturers, to discuss and implement industry standards, policies, and procedures.
The IGHC 2025 edition will take place in Nairobi, Kenya.
Discover more about the IATA IGHC 2025 Destination
Why you should attend
- Unique business, networking, and branding opportunities.
- Expected attendance of over 800 delegates, including key airline decision-makers.
- Exclusive access to industry intelligence and the latest industry developments.
- One-to-one meetings in the BizZone.
Who you will meet
- 30% airlines, 60% ground service providers and airports, 10% manufacturers and solution providers
- 50% top management, 50% middle management
Benefits for IGHC delegates
- Are you based in Africa? Take advantage of a special discounted registration rate—check your eligibility.
- Registered delegates are eligible for 11% off flights with Kenya Airways— find out more.
- Take advantage of exclusive IGHC rates at select hotels.
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.
Testimonials
“Attending the IATA Ground Handling Conference 2024 was an incredibly enriching experience.The event brought together industry leaders, experts, and professionals from around the globe, creating an unparalleled platform for networking and knowledge exchange. Additionally, the conference facilitated several fruitful meetings with potential partners and suppliers, opening doors for new collaborations and strengthening existing relationships.”
Mohammad Al Osta, Regional Director Europe & CIS, HADID International Services
“The event was very insightful, fantastic networking opportunities, knowledgeable speakers, great participants, and some very interesting exhibitions. Undoubtedly, one of the most important industry congregations, it was worth it.”
Michael Adjinbaruk, Consumer Protection Officer, Ghana Civil Aviation Authority
“IGHC is one of the most important meeting places for us as Ground Handler. It gives us the opportunity to meet with colleagues, partners, and customers and at the same time attend interesting sessions.”
Kjell Ivar Maudal, Chief Commercial Officer, Widerøe Ground Handling AS
“I like to point out that the IGHC event was everything I dreamed of as a ground handling agent as well as cargo expert.”
Fuad Nassir Kemal, Director of Cargo and Logistics Operations, ICAS plc.
“As a ground handling professional, I have attended the IATA Ground Handling Conference for the first time in 2023 and I can proudly say without hesitation that it is one of the most valuable experience and event in my calendar. The conference provided a unique opportunity to network with industry peers, share best practices and learn about latest developments in ground handling technology and innovation. I would highly recommend the IGHC to anyone looking to stay up to date with the latest trends and developments in ground handling industry.”
Nicolette Bamboche, Head of Airport Services, Air Seychelles
“The IGHC is not just another conference. It’s a place where all the expertise and knowledge is shared with only one purpose: to enhance the aviation industry to an extreme level of proficiency and consistency.”
Roberto Gomes, Excellence and Operational Security, beAQC (Aviation Quality Council)
Message from Kenya Airways CEO
- Modern baggage messaging benefits
- Real-time baggage tracking implementation
- Transition to electronic bag tags
- Efficient baggage prorate and claim processes
- Serviceability and reliability of Ground Support Equipment (GSE)
- Challenges and changes with hydrogen GSE implementation
- Cost benefits of harmonized ground operations training
- Common safety hazards and key focus areas for personnel safety
- Effective collaboration between airports and ground handlers
- Insights into privatization
- Upcoming regulations in ground handling
We are pleased to announce that the IGHC 2025 Program is Ready! Have a look and let us know if there are any specific discussion points during any session you would like addressed. Your suggestions will help create an engaging experience tailored to your interests. Share your ideas with the Ground Operations Team, please use 'Ideas IGHC 2025' as the subject line.
Are you based in Africa?
Organizations and individuals with a billing address in one of the African countries listed in this document (pdf) are eligible for a special rate of 760 USD to attend only the IGHC 2025.
Check your country eligibility and contact us at ighc-events@iata.org to take advantage of this special discounted rate.
| REGISTRATION TYPE | 2025 REGULAR RATE IN USD |
|---|---|
|
760.00 |
|
|
1'945.00 |
|
|
General Public |
2'247.00 |
|
Airport |
1'735.00 |
|
Government/Regulator/Institution |
1'735.00 |
|
Student |
150.00 |
|
Media |
2'247.00 |
|
GHP Member* |
1'945.00 |
*The GHP Membership includes 2 complimentary passes to the IGHC. This reduced fee is applicable to obtain additional GHP passes.
Exclusive IGHC 2025 Kenya Airways Flight Discount!
Kenya Airways is pleased to offer an 11% discount on flights exclusively for Kenya Airways-operated sectors. This special offer is available only to delegates who are fully registered and confirmed to the IGHC. Information about the booking process and link will be provided in the confirmation email.
Beware of fraudulent emails offering hotel room bookings/accommodations. Only use links from the official IGHC website and IATA emails for legitimate bookings.
Showcase your products and services to industry leaders, governments, international organizations, and subject matter experts. Contact us to learn more about our Sponsorship & Exhibition opportunities, and secure your place at the IATA Ground Handling Conference (IGHC) in Nairobi! We are open to customizing an offer based on your business needs.
Nairobi
Nairobi, the vibrant capital city of Kenya, pulsates with energy and diversity. Nestled in the highlands, Nairobi serves as the country's economic, political, and cultural hub. Its skyline is a mix of modern skyscrapers and colonial architecture, reflecting its rich history. Bustling markets, like the Maasai Market, offer a kaleidoscope of colors and crafts, while wildlife enthusiasts can explore the Nairobi National Park, where lions roam against the backdrop of the city skyline.
During Kenya's colonial period, the city became a centre for the colony's coffee, tea and sisal industry. The city lies on the River Athi in the southern part of the country, and has an elevation of 1,795 metres (5,889 ft) above sea level.Nairobi is an established hub for business and culture. The Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) is one of the largest in Africa and the second-oldest exchange on the continent. It is Africa's fourth-largest exchange in terms of trading volume, capable of making 10 million trades a day.
> Review the Customs Hand Book (pdf) for a seamless travel experience.
> Benefit of the Kenya Airways discounted flights and hotel preferential rate.
> Planning Tips
> Learn more about Nairobi
> Weather in Nairobi
Pre/Post IGHC 2025 Excursions and Tours
To facilitate the booking of pre-IGHC and post-IGHC 2025 excursions and tours, the below local agencies are kindly offering some special rates for the IGHC attendees.
The IGHC attendees wishing to book pre/post event excursions and tours are required to reach out to these agencies directly.
IATA assumes no responsibility for these tours and is only recommending these agencies approved by the Kenyan government to assist attendees of the IGHC in the planning of their excursions and tours.
- FCM Travel (pdf)
- Travelshoppe (pdf)
- MagicalSkies (pdf)
Visa Requirements
The IATA TravelCentre provides passport, visa, health advice, and much more. Visit the IATA Travel Centre-Passport, Visa & Health Requirements.
Important Visa Information
As of 1 January 2024, travelers must, however, obtain a new Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) via the official link: https://www.etakenya.go.ke/en
- Please find all the details in the Travelers Information Document (pdf)
- When registering, kindly make sure to complete the visa section to obtain a letter of invitation which will be required when applying for your eTA.
- The eTA applications for Kenya are usually processed in 3 days, however it is recommended applications be submitted at least 2 weeks prior to travel to ensure adequate time for processing. Delegates applying for the eTA submit their applications under the purpose of travel – “CONFERENCE”.
- Travelers can submit their applications up to 3 months prior to travel.
IGHC 2025 - Join us in Kenya!
SGHA-SLA Training
This is a special edition of the full the SGHA-SLA course, excluding the Effective Negotiations Behavior modules. The course will run from 15 May at 2pm to 17 May at 5pm. Register now with the code IGHCSGHA30 and get 30% Off the regular price (taxes may apply).
Would you be interested in participating to the SCHA-SLA course?
Additional registration is required. Details at www.iata.org/training-tapp32
IGHC 2024
The 2024 IGHC saw close to 700 delegates come together in Reykjavík, Iceland at the Harpa Reykjavík Conference Centre around the theme "Partnering for a better planet". The conference hosted plenary sessions and workshops on a variety of topics such as Innovation on the Ramp,Exploring Sustainable Solutions for GSE Fuel and Beyond, Regulating for Safety and The Role of Training in Ground Operations Sustainability.
Check out what happened at the IGHC 2024:
IGHC 2024 Highlights
IGHC 2023
The 2023 IGHC saw over 800 attendees come together in Abu Dhabi, UAE at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center around the theme "Embracing technology. The time is now." The conference hosted plenary sessions and workshops on a variety of topics such as automation, digital cargo, innovations in de-icing operations, ground operations data analytics, and recalibrating strategies and behaviors of people.
Check out what happened at the IGHC 2023:
IGHC 2022
The 2022 IGHC edition was focused on improving implementation procedures and operations, forging sustainable new agreements and leveraging and empowering the workforce to deliver sustainable sound solutions.
Over 650 delegates gathered in Paris, France at the Palais Brongniart, to discuss technology and efficiency (initiatives and the implementation of case studies), people in ground operations, and new agreements (contracts and data).
Check out what happened at the IGHC 2022:
Host Airline
Silver Sponsors
Exhibitors
Gold Media Partners
Silver Media Partner
Media Partner
Republic of Kenya Partners
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.
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