Global Aviation Issues Conference – Global Airports Forum

About the Conference

The Global Aviation Issues Conference, held as part of the Global Airports Forum, will take place in Riyadh on 30 November–1 December 2026. Organised by Niche Ideas and NCX, and supported by the International Association of Airport Executives (IAAE), the conference brings together global aviation leaders, policymakers, airport operators, airlines, regulators, and technology innovators to address the industry’s most pressing challenges.

Designed to explore the future of aviation, the conference will feature expert-led discussions on airport security, digital transformation, sustainability, capacity expansion, operational resilience, and global aviation governance. As Saudi Arabia accelerates its ambitious aviation agenda under Vision 2030, the conference provides a platform to exchange knowledge, foster international collaboration, and shape the future of the global aviation ecosystem.

The programme also offers valuable opportunities for international companies looking to expand into the Middle East’s fast-growing aviation market, alongside airport executives seeking insights into emerging trends, innovative technologies, and strategic partnerships. Supported by Saudi Arabia’s US$147 billion aviation investment strategy, the conference highlights the Kingdom’s commitment to becoming a global hub for connectivity, innovation, and sustainable aviation.

Agenda Programme

View Session Schedule

Monday, November 30

9 –10 a.m. Networking Breakfast

10-10:15 a.m. Welcome and Overview

Speakers:

Heba Gouda

Vice President, Global Operations

American Associations of Airport Executives

Jorge Hernandez, IAAE Chair

CEO, Aerostar Airports, Puerto Rico

Raed bin Hassan Al-Idrissi (TBC)

CEO of MATARAT

H.E. Abdulaziz Al-Duailej (TBI)

President, GACA (Saudi Arabia)

10:15 – 10:30 Keynote – Opening discussion – AI-Driven Transformation of Aviation Systems: Security, Resilience, and the Future of Seamless Operations

Speaker :

Bob Kwik (invited)

Worldwide Head of Airports and Ground Transportation

Amazon Web Services

10:30 – 11:10 a.m. SESSION 1- Strategic Transformation Aviation Through AI

This session will 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 Airports

Speakers:

Dr. Bader Al Aydi

Chairman, Aviation Department

Prince Sultan University

Dr. Jihad Boueri

Vice President, Strategy & Transformation – Middle East & Africa

SITA

Majdi Alamri

Risk Management Director

General Authority of Civil Aviation

Abdullah Al Raimi

COO, Madina Airport

Héctor Pujadas

Airport Operations Executive | AOCC & Operations Transformation | AAM & eVTOL Integration Specialist

11:10 – 11:55 a.m. Session 2- Global Aviation at a Crossroads:

Growth collaboration and Leadership- 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 Saudia Arabia.

Moderator:

Víctor M. Aguado (TBC)

Senior Advisor

A3iS Systems and Consulting

Former Permanent Representative of Spain to the ICAO Council

Speakers:

Jorge Hernandez

CEO

Aerostar Airports, Puerto Rico

Wahhaj H. Motawie

President

Saudi Academy of Civil Aviation (SACA)

Yousef Al Jaouni Gonzalez

Managing Director Middle East, Aviation Division

AETEC

Mohamed Rahma (TBC)

Director

The Air Transport Bureau at ICAO

12- 1:15 pm Networking Lunch & Exhibitors

1:15 – 2:15 p.m. Session 3- Aviation Cyber Threats -Protecting Critical Infrastructure

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’s

Past Chair AAAE & Airport Management Advisor

Speakers:

Adnan Alghamdi

Vice President & Advisor of Security Service

GACA

Hany Bark

Senior Vice President Aviation & Maritime Security

MedAire

Eng. Naveed Yousuf

Cybersecurity GRC Expert

Saudi Data & AI Authority (SDAIA)

Captain Ahmed AlZuhairi

Vice President, Safety

Riyadh Air

Dr. Fatimah Alakeel

Cybersecurity and AI Expert & Assistant Professor

King Saud University

David Nieto (TBI)

Vice President

Cyber threat intelligence in aviation

Aviation ISAC

2:15 – 3:15 p.m.. Session 4- The Next Generation of Passenger and Baggage Screening

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

3:15 – 3:45 p.m. Networking Coffee Break

3:45 – 4:45 p.m. Session 5- Next-Generation Airport Ecosystems: AAM, Digital

(sponsored) -Infrastructure, and Future Connectivity- 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

Strategic Direction in Enabling the Saudi Aviation Strategy

PSU

4:45 – 5:45 p.m. Session 6- The Aviation Workforce of Tomorrow: Talent Strategy for a High-Growth Era

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 Executive

Speakers:

Dr. Bader Al Aydi

Chairman, Aviation Department

Prince Sultan University

Captain Ismael Koshi

Prince Sultan Aviation Academy

Michelle Treanor

Director, Talent & Development

DAAI Dublin Airport

Dr. Pepina Miteva

Aviation HR Consultant

Aviation HR Excellence

Tariq Almuzini

Vice President, Human Capital

Matarat Holdings

7:00-9:00 p.m. VIP Official Conference Dinner

Hosted by MATART & the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA)

Tuesday, December 1

9:30 -10:30 a.m. Networking Breakfast

10:30-11:30 a.m. Session 7- Passenger Expectation and Trust, in the Digital Age

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.