Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (AOT), in collaboration with the International Air Transport Association (IATA), co-hosted the 158th IATA Slot Conference from 9–11 June 2026
at Centara Grand and Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld, Bangkok.

The Network Reception for conference delegates was presided over by Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, with the presence of Mr. Siripong Angkasakulkiat, Deputy Minister of Transport, and Mr. Phattrapong Phattraprasit
Deputy Minister of Transport.

Ms. Paweena Jariyathitipong, President of AOT, stated that AOT was honoured to co-host the 158th IATA Slot Conference under the theme “World-Class Hospitality.” The conference attracted more than 1,300 participants, representing over 300 airports, more than 250 airlines, and over 90 exhibitors from around the world.

The conference is recognized as one of the aviation industry’s most important business events and marks the first time Thailand has been selected as a host country. The event serves as a testament to Thailand’s commercial aviation capabilities and reflects AOT’s readiness in airport management, technology, and internationally recognized service standards. These strengths are key factors in attracting airlines, business partners, and investors within the aviation sector, in line with the Government’s policy of promoting Suvarnabhumi Airport as an Aviation Hub for Southeast Asia.

The conference aims to facilitate the efficient and fair allocation of airport slots at capacity-constrained airports while providing opportunities for direct discussions between Slot Coordinators and airlines. Through these discussions, airlines may negotiate to retain, modify, or request new slots at airports where they intend to operate services. This process enables airlines worldwide to plan their flight schedules more effectively, supports the expansion of international air connectivity networks, promotes cooperation among aviation industry stakeholders, and encourages the efficient utilization of airport resources.

The conference programme includes slot allocation meetings between airport slot coordination organizations and airlines from around the world to coordinate slot allocations for airlines planning operations to and from airports worldwide. In addition, the event features exhibitions by airports, airlines, and aviation-related businesses from across the global aviation industry.

As part of the exhibition, AOT showcased the operational capabilities and development potential of its airports, together with development plans for all six AOT airports. AOT also presented its aviation incentive schemes available at AOT airports to encourage participating airlines to consider increasing flight frequencies or launching new routes to Thailand.

Ms. Paweena concluded that AOT hopes the conference will serve as an important platform to demonstrate Thailand’s airport capabilities, infrastructure strength, and readiness to welcome travellers from around the world. The event also provides an opportunity to showcase the unique beauty of Thai culture while presenting AOT’s vision of “World-Class Hospitality, delivering internationally recognized service excellence with exceptional warmth.

This vision aims to create positive first impressions and build confidence among partners from around the world from the very first moment they arrive in Thailand. Such efforts will help drive the continued growth of Thailand’s tourism and aviation industries and support the country’s journey towards becoming a leading aviation hub in the region.