Airspace Africa & Middle East 2026
Airspace Africa & Middle East 2026 will take place 13–14 October 2026 in Abu Dhabi, UAE, bringing together stakeholders involved in shaping the future of regional airspace and air traffic management across Africa, the Middle East, and Euro-Asia.
Organized by CANSO, the event focuses on addressing operational and strategic challenges in regional airspace management. The two-day gathering provides a forum for air navigation service providers (ANSPs), regulators, aviation authorities, technology developers, and industry stakeholders to discuss implementation strategies, technological developments, and policy frameworks affecting airspace operations.
The event will feature discussions on air traffic flow management, digital transformation, interoperability, and emerging aviation technologies including drones and urban air mobility (UAM). Sessions and demonstrations are designed to explore practical solutions and operational approaches that support the evolving demands on regional airspace infrastructure.
When is the Event?
Airspace Africa & Middle East 2026 takes place 13–14 October 2026.
The event runs over two days, bringing together regional and international stakeholders to discuss developments and challenges in airspace and air traffic management.
Themes
The conference program will address a range of topics related to the management and modernization of airspace across Africa, the Middle East, and Euro-Asia. These include air traffic flow management (ATFM), digitalisation of air traffic systems, interoperability between regional airspace networks, contingency planning, and sustainability targets within aviation operations.
Additional discussions will examine the integration of unmanned aircraft systems and urban air mobility into controlled airspace, along with strategies for regional coordination and policy alignment.
What’s On?
Airspace Africa & Middle East 2026 will feature a range of sessions and activities designed to examine operational and technological developments in regional airspace management.
The program includes conference sessions led by ANSP leaders, policymakers, and industry specialists, along with technology showcases demonstrating air traffic management (ATM) and unmanned traffic management (UTM) solutions. These demonstrations provide opportunities to examine how new technologies can be implemented within national airspace systems and flight information regions.
The event will also host roundtable discussions, working groups, and high-level panels addressing policy development, infrastructure planning, and regional collaboration. Networking sessions and meeting spaces will allow delegates to engage directly with decision-makers and technology providers.
Speakers
Airspace Africa & Middle East 2026 will bring together industry leaders, regulators, policymakers, and technology experts from across the aviation sector.
Participants include representatives from air navigation service providers, aviation authorities, technology companies, airport operators, airlines, government bodies, and defence organizations involved in regional airspace management and infrastructure planning.
Previous Highlights
Airspace Africa & Middle East 2026 is the inaugural edition of the event, developed by CANSO and inspired by the Airspace World conference series.
The event is expected to bring together a large international audience, including:
100+ countries represented
50+ ANSPs and aviation authorities
100+ exhibitors and solution providers
1,500+ delegates expected
The event focuses on engagement between stakeholders across three strategic regions: Africa, the Middle East, and Euro-Asia.
Where is the Event?
Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC)
Khaleej Al Arabi Street
Abu Dhabi
United Arab Emirates
The venue is located approximately 15 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport and provides access to hotels, restaurants, and other facilities in the surrounding area.
To learn more about Airspace Africa & Middle East 2026, to register to attend or exhibit, please click below .
