The event will take place in Riyadh in December 2023

ICAN is the world’s largest civil aviation negotiation event, with more than 160 countries having attended, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s aviation leadership role in line with the Saudi Aviation Strategy

The announcement comes as Saudi Arabia attends the 41st ICAO Assembly, leading the introduction of several new global policies and progressing bilateral agreements with partner countries

Montreal, 27 September 2022: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been selected as the host of the 15th International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) Air Services Negotiation event (ICAN), to be held in December 2023 in Riyadh. To be hosted by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), the event is the premiere platform for countries to negotiate aviation transport arrangements, with more than 160 countries having attended previous events.

The announcement aligns with the beginning of the ICAO’s 41st Assembly in Montreal, where Saudi Arabia is introducing new global aviation policies to help reconnect the world. The Saudi delegation is led by the Kingdom’s Transport Minister, Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser and GACA President, Abdulaziz Al Duailej.

Saleh Al-Jasser said: “The selection of Saudi Arabia as ICAN 2023 host recognizes the Kingdom’s contribution to global aviation and our efforts to connect the world in line with Vision 2030. The event will be a pivotal opportunity to grow bilateral relationships with participating countries, and to showcase Saudi hospitality and culture to the aviation world.”

The President of GACA, Abdulaziz Al-Duailej said: “ICAN 2023 will be a global platform to showcase how we are creating opportunities for the world through the Saudi Aviation Strategy, following our hosting of the Future Aviation Forum earlier this year. GACA looks forward to hosting our fellow regulators from around the world, and to the event making significant progress in reconnecting the world following the COVID pandemic.”