Istanbul:The International Air Transport Association (IATA) World Safety and Operations Conference 2026 commenced in Istanbul on Tuesday. This three-day event brings together global aviation leaders to address key topics such as flight safety, cabin operations, maintenance, and crisis management.

According to Anadolu Agency, Turkish Airlines, Turkey's national flag carrier, is hosting this premier industry event. The conference aims to connect airline executives, regulators, and frontline operational staff for discussions that foster safety and operational excellence.

Ahmet Olmustur, CEO of Turkish Airlines, emphasized the importance of Istanbul as a global hub that links continents and cultures. He invited aviation stakeholders to engage in meaningful discussions and forge lasting partnerships to advance the industry's standards.

The conference includes over 45 hours of expert sessions divided into four tracks and offers more than 15 hours of networking opportunities. Participants can explore current industry insights, identify emerging risks, and participate in specialized workshops provided by IATA and industry partners.

The previous edition of the conference, IATA WSOC 2025, was held in Xiamen, China, and attracted more than 850 participants.