Central America positions itself at WOCA 2026 as a key bridge for air connectivity in the Americas
More than 300 industry leaders are participating in the forum organized by IATA, where the challenges and opportunities of aviation in the region are being analyzed, with a focus on connectivity, sustainability and innovation
The Wings of Change Americas 2026 (WOCA 2026) forum, organized by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), is taking place on April 8 and 9 with the participation of more than 300 leaders from the aviation sector, government officials, and international experts. The event is establishing itself as one of the leading forums for dialogue on the future of aviation in Latin America and the Caribbean.
In its 16th edition, the event is being held under the theme “Beyond Borders — Aviation as a Catalyst for Economic Transformation,” addressing strategic issues such as air connectivity, infrastructure, sustainability, innovation, regulation, and new technologies. The goal is to strengthen the role of air transport as an engine of economic development in the region.
The agenda includes high-level sessions, including the opening led by Peter Cerdá, IATA's regional vice president for the Americas, who shared perspectives on industry priorities at the regional and global levels with representatives of international organizations and government authorities.
In this context, Central America played a prominent role in the ministerial panel “Ministerial Roundtable: Connecting the Americas - Boosting Connectivity and the Economic Impact of Air Transport Beyond Capital Cities.” The event brought together authorities such as Andrés Ehrler, Minister of Tourism of Honduras; María Luisa Hayem, Minister of Economy of El Salvador; Boris Iraheta, Secretary General of CATA; and María Paz Lagos, Undersecretary of Tourism of Chile.
The panel analyzed the role of aviation as a tool for boosting local economies, expanding connectivity to secondary destinations, and strengthening regional integration. It was also highlighted that in Latin America and the Caribbean, the concentration of routes in a few cities has limited access to tourism for many destinations, reinforcing the need for coordinated policies and public-private partnerships to diversify offerings and improve competitiveness.
The discussion also addressed how air transport acts as a key enabler for sustainable and inclusive development, especially in regions like Central America, where connectivity can accelerate investment, facilitate mobility, and boost tourism as a generator of employment and economic growth.
For its part, the Central American Tourism Promotion Agency (CATA) actively participated in the forum's technical spaces, through specialized workshops that addressed trends in consumer regulation, global best practices and regional challenges, as well as the evolution of modern airline commerce and its distribution models.
WOCA 2026 continues its agenda with sessions focused on innovation, advanced air mobility, operational safety and consumer protection, consolidating itself as a key space to define the future of aviation on the continent.
Source: CATA.