Aviation events 2026: All the big conferences and airshows you don’t want to miss

The major aviation events in 2026 include significant airshows, conferences, and exhibitions, encompassing commercial, defense, and business aviation.

Farnborough Airshow 2024

The year 2025 has been a record-breaking year for global aviation, showing increased passenger and cargo demand, revenues, and profitability. 2026 is expected to be even more exciting for the global aviation industry. The biggest aviation events in 2026 include major airshows, conferences, and exhibitions, gathering all sectors of aviation on multiple occasions.

These events are largely focused on technological innovation, sustainability, and advanced air mobility. Spread throughout the year, these events will certainly keep the aviation industry engaged.

Aviation events 2026: The complete list

From January through to December, 2026 is packed with aviation events to satisfy every corner of the industry. From niche gatherings to expansive airshows, every month of the calendar offers something for the industry.

Below are some of the highlights of the 2026 aviation events calendar that deserve a place in your diary for the coming year:

Month Event Details / focus
January MRO Latin America Maintenance, repair and overhaul, Latin America
Wings India Commercial and regional aviation, India
February MRO Middle East MRO and aftermarket, Middle East
Aero Leasing Aircraft leasing and finance
Singapore Airshow Commercial, defence and business aviation, Singapore
World Defence Show Military aviation and defence industry, Saudi Arabia
Sustainable Aviation Decarbonisation, SAF and climate tech
March ISTAT Americas Aircraft trading, leasing and finance
Sustainable Skies Low-carbon aviation, operations and technology
Aviation Festival Airlines, digital transformation and passenger experience
IMMAE Military MRO, engineering and sustainment
Women of Aviation Worldwide Week Inclusion, outreach and aviation careers
Sustainable Aviation Futures Net-zero pathways, policy and investment
NBAA – Ohio Regional business aviation community event
A&DSS – Seattle Aerospace and defence supply chain, manufacturing
DPRTE – Farnborough Defence procurement, technology and industry
April MRO Americas Aviation aftermarket, MRO and maintenance
CAPA Airline Summit Airline strategy, leadership and market outlook
Aerospace Tech Week Avionics, connectivity, digital and systems
PTE World Passenger experience, cabin and airport tech
Space Symposium Space industry, policy and partnerships
AERO Friedrichshafen General aviation, business aviation and new tech
May MRO Southeast Asia MRO and aftermarket, Southeast Asia
Routes Europe Network planning, route development and airports
MRO China MRO and aftermarket, China
ISTAT Asia Aircraft trading, leasing and finance, Asia
NBBA Maintenance Business aviation maintenance community event
National Clean Air Month Clean-air awareness and sustainability themes
National Space Day (May 1) Space awareness, education and outreach
IATA Ground Handling Conference Ground operations, safety and airport handling
RAeS Future Combat Air and Space Next-gen airpower, space and defence technology
June Space Tech Expo Space manufacturing, supply chain and systems
Engine Leasing Aero engine leasing, asset management and finance
EBACE Business aviation, Europe
ILA Airshow Aerospace, defence and space, Germany
July Farnborough International Airshow Commercial, defence and aerospace technology, UK
RIAT Military aviation display, UK
EAA AirVenture General aviation and airshow, USA
August Space Science Space research, science and exploration themes
September Aero Engines Propulsion, maintenance and engine tech
MRO Asia MRO and aftermarket, Asia
Istanbul Airshow Commercial and defence aerospace, Türkiye
Aerospace & Defence Industry exhibition and networking
Aviation Africa Summit Airline and airport development across Africa
October World Aviation Festival Airlines, digital aviation and strategy
NBAA-BACE Business aviation, USA
IAC Aviation conference and industry forum
MRO Europe Aviation aftermarket, MRO and maintenance, Europe
November China Airshow Commercial, defence and aerospace industry, China
Bahrain Airshow Commercial, defence and business aviation, Bahrain
December MEBBA Middle East and North Africa business aviation
Iran Airshow Regional aviation and aerospace exhibition, Iran
Aeromart Aerospace B2B meetings and supply chain

The top highlights of the 2026 aviation events calendar

While plenty is going on all year round to serve the industry, some events really shouldn’t be missed. These are the top highlights of the aviation events calendar in 2026, where you can expect to see Aerospace Global News on the ground, bringing you all the latest updates.

Singapore Airshow

Singapore Airshow
Location Changi Exhibition Center, Singapore
Dates February 3-6, 2026
Category Commercial, defense, and business aviation
Event information Click here for more information
Pro tip Early bird rates through December 31


Held every two years, Singapore Airshow brings executives from leading aerospace companies and military delegations to forge partnerships and seal deals. As the world’s most influential airshow, the platform allows multiple aviation sectors to exchange ideas on global topics, including advanced air mobility, sustainability, and aftermarket business.

The event features flight demonstrations, static aircraft displays, and trade exhibits spanning commercial, defence, and general aviation sectors. With the 10th edition of the Singapore Airshow right around the corner, global aviation companies and governments are gearing up for another exciting event.

World Defense Show

World Defense Show
Location Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Dates February 8-12, 2026
Category Defense and military
Event information Click here for more information
Pro tip There will be no onsite registration

Founded by the General Authority for Military Industries of Saudi Arabia, the World Defense Show 2026 has become a key meeting point for governments, military delegations, and defence OEMs. The forthcoming edition is designed around interoperability across land, sea, air, space, and security.

World Defense Show 2022
Photo: Amyhere / Wikimedia Commons

With a strong focus on integrated platforms, the event will highlight technological advances shaping the global aerospace and security landscape. Attendees can expect world-class aircraft demonstrations, opportunities to connect with international industry leaders, and insight into future capability development. More than 770 exhibitors from 76 countries are set to welcome over 100,000 visitors during the week-long event.

IATA World Cargo Symposium

IATA World Cargo Symposium
Location Lima, Peru
Dates March 10-12, 2026
Category Air cargo, freighter forwarders, and technology providers
Event information Click here for more information
Pro tip Early bird rates through December 26

The IATA World Cargo Symposium (WCS) is the largest event in the air cargo industry, attracting over 2,000 delegates. The WCS event offers plenary sessions and specialised workshops focused on strategic and sustainable cargo operations.

Moreover, a range of executive summits emphasise technology and innovation in the global cargo business. The symposium exhibitors gain the opportunity to participate in exclusive business, networking, and branding opportunities tailored for industry leaders and decision-makers. 

Sustainable Skies World Summit

Sustainable Skies World Summit
Location Farnborough, United Kingdom
Dates 17 – 18 March 2026
Category Sustainability, SAF, net-zero aviation
Event information Click here for more information
Pro tip Expect strong airline, OEM and policymaker representation


The Sustainable Skies World Summit has established itself as one of the aviation industry’s leading forums dedicated exclusively to decarbonisation. Bringing together airlines, aircraft manufacturers, fuel producers, airports, regulators and investors, the summit focuses on practical pathways to net-zero aviation rather than aspirational targets alone.

RAF Voyager aircraft being fuelled with 43% SAF from IAG/British Airways/bp at Brize Norton on 16 April 2023
Photo: Nick Morrish / British Airways

Discussions centre on Sustainable Aviation Fuel deployment, hydrogen and electric propulsion, operational efficiency, financing the transition, and the role of policy in scaling low-carbon solutions. With its emphasis on collaboration across the value chain, the event has become a key meeting point for decision-makers shaping aviation’s sustainability agenda.

⁠MRO Americas

⁠MRO Americas
Location Orlando, Florida, USA
Dates April 21-23, 2026
Category Aviation aftermarket, MRO, maintenance
Event information Click here for more information
Pro tip Registration is open and discounts may be available

2026 marks the 30th anniversary of one of the world’s most significant aviation maintenance gatherings. The three-day MRO Americas event will be packed with conference programs and exhibits focusing on groundbreaking technologies in the aviation aftermarket ecosystem.

MRO America
Photo: Aviation Week

Organised by Aviation Week, this massive event will promote business exchange among aviation leaders, airlines, OEMs, and service providers. With an anticipated 17,000+ attendees, 1000+ exhibitors, and 2,000+ airline and lessor buyers, the 2026 edition is expected to offer exclusive insights into industry-leading MRO content. Moreover, the forthcoming event will offer networking opportunities, a technology showcase, and prospective partnerships. 

⁠Farnborough International Airshow (FIA)

⁠Farnborough International Airshow (FIA)
Location Farnborough, United Kingdom
Dates July 20-24, 2026
Category Commercial, defense, and business aviation
Event information Click here for more information
Pro tip You can sign up for FIA2026 insights

One of the aviation industry’s most influential biennial events is set to gather commercial, military, and technology stakeholders on one platform. Combining static and flyby demonstrations with a high-level exhibition, the 2026 edition of the Farnborough International Airshow will be packed with strategic announcements and partnerships.

The week-long airshow is focused on innovation and technology in advanced air mobility, sustainable practices, and integrated defence systems. For decades, the Farnborough International Airshow has played a key role in shaping the future of commercial and industrial aviation. The must-attend event has something for everyone, including aviation delegates, exhibitors, traders, the general public, and the media.

⁠NBAA-BACE

⁠NBAA-BACE
Location Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
Dates October 20-22, 2026
Category Business aviation
Event information Click here for more information
Pro tip Exhibitors receive priority placement when registering by January 30, 2026

The NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) is the world’s most powerful business aviation event, offering a massive aircraft display, convention, and exposition. Scheduled to take place at the Las Vegas Convention Center and nearby airport facilities, the 2026 edition will present game-changing aviation products and services, cutting-edge technologies, and partnership opportunities.

NBAA BACE
Photo: ZLEA / Wikimedia Commons

The one-of-a-kind forum brings business aircraft manufacturers, suppliers, and regulatory authorities to discuss advanced air mobility, sustainability, and safety in business aviation. 

⁠MRO Europe

⁠MRO Europe
Location Amsterdam, Netherlands
Dates October 27-29, 2026
Category Aviation aftermarket, MRO, maintenance
Event information Click here for more information
Pro tip Register your interest to receive updates

Also organised by Aviation Week, MRO Europe is the leading conference and exhibition for the commercial aviation aftermarket. The event will offer conference sessions, exhibits, and speciality exchange sessions for attendees.

MRO Europe
Photo: Aviation Week

Over 630 solution providers exhibit at the show, attracting over 11,500 attendees representing airlines, lessors, MROs, OEMs, suppliers, and industry experts. The conference will be held on October 27th and 28th, whereas the exhibition will take place on October 28th and 29th, 2026.

Bahrain International Airshow

Bahrain International Airshow
Location Sakhir Airbase, Bahrain
Dates November 18–20, 2026
Category Commercial, defence, and business aviation
Event information Click here for more information
Pro tip Trade visitor registration typically opens early in the year

 Held biennially at Sakhir Airbase, the Bahrain International Airshow has established itself as one of the Middle East’s most strategically important aerospace and defence events. Backed by the Bahraini government, the show attracts senior military delegations, government officials, airlines, and aerospace manufacturers from across the region and beyond.

Bahrain Airshow 2024
Photo: BIAS

The 2026 edition is expected to feature a strong flying display programme alongside a high-level exhibition focused on military aviation, air transport, and emerging technologies. With the Gulf region continuing to invest heavily in fleet renewal, defence modernisation, and advanced air mobility, the Bahrain International Airshow provides a key platform for regional announcements, partnerships, and long-term procurement discussions.

Featured Image: USAF / Wikimedia Commons

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