Why is the IATA AGM being held in Rio de Janeiro significant for the aviation industry's current outlook?

The choice to hold the IATA AGM in Rio de Janeiro signals a return to confidence and normalcy after the pandemic, as the event was abandoned during Covid years and held online thereafter; its physical revival in Rio—announced at the Delhi summit where Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored aviation's strategic importance—reflects rebounded global air traffic and an industry still 'looking resolutely skyward' despite ongoing geopolitical tensions and high jet fuel prices.

What is the current status of jet fuel supply and pricing, and how are airlines responding?

Jet fuel remains over $140 a barrel—up from just over $80 when Rio was announced—and accounts for just over a quarter of global airlines’ costs in 2025, with each $1/barrel increase adding nearly $3bn annually to the industry’s fuel bill; although the EU transport commissioner stated there is 'no jet fuel shortage in Europe' and new kerosene sources in the US and West Africa are helping supply chains adapt, about 6% of available seats were removed globally last month due to high costs and uncertain demand, and some carriers like easyJet have suspended fuel hedging due to extreme price volatility.