The IATA World Financial Symposium (WFS) & World Passenger Symposium (WPS) 2026 will bring together more than 1,200 airline executives and industry professionals. The event will examine the relationship between airline retailing, passenger experience and financial performance, with a focus on how standards, technology and new operating models are reshaping the end-to-end travel journey.

The World Financial Symposium (WFS) and World Passenger Symposium (WPS), organised by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), will focus on the transformation of the aviation industry across finance, retailing and passenger experience.

Held under the theme “From Vision to Value: The Next Era of Air Travel,” the event will explore how industry strategies can be translated into measurable operational and financial outcomes.

More than 1,200 airline and industry leaders are expected to attend.

Three key tracks will shape the programme

The WFS & WPS 2026 programme will be structured around three main areas.

Under Retail & Distribution (Offers & Orders), discussions will focus on the transition toward offer- and order-based airline retailing models.

The Financial Services & Processing track will examine payment systems, financial processes and evolving transaction models across the industry.

The Passenger Experience & Accessibility track will address ways to improve the traveller journey and make air travel more accessible for different passenger groups.

Technology and standards to reshape the travel journey

Throughout the event, participants will examine how new technologies and industry standards are transforming the passenger journey from beginning to end.

The programme will also look at how new operating models are affecting airline sales, payments, distribution and customer engagement, supported by practical examples and real-world case studies.

IATA aims to move the discussion beyond long-term strategy by focusing on actionable solutions and measurable outcomes.

Finance and passenger experience on the same platform

Bringing WFS and WPS together will allow the industry to examine financial performance and passenger experience within the same framework.

Participants will have the opportunity to explore developments in airline retailing, payment technologies, digitalisation, accessibility and personalised passenger services, while also exchanging insights with industry peers from different markets.