The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that the 2026 World Cargo Symposium (WCS) will focus on “Advancing Air Cargo in a Dynamic World”. Under this theme, the symposium will take stock of changing global trade conditions as it examines regulatory priorities, developments in special cargo, and progress on digitalization in specialized streams. WCS will be held in Lima, Peru from 10 to 12 March hosted by LATAM Cargo. It is the first time the event will be held in South America. 

“Tariffs and geopolitical uncertainty have reshaped global trade and supply chains. The 3.4% growth pattern in air cargo demand in 2025 was strongly influenced by these developments and we can expect more of the same for 2026. This year’s WCS will focus on further strengthening air cargo’s ability to respond quickly and effectively as trade lanes shift and the value of speed and reliability across the supply chain grows", said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

In addition to its main conference streams (digitalization, regulation, and special cargo), WCS will feature three spotlight sessions exploring practical pathways for the supply chain to: improve sustainability practices, accelerate the adoption of new technologies and processes, and enhance operational efficiency and resilience.
Its program will be complemented by a series of workshops and recognition ceremonies.