KATHMANDU: Aviation leaders from across the Asia-Pacific region have come together in Sendai, Japan, this week for the 60th Conference of Directors General of Civil Aviation (DGCA/60), setting the stage for future air connectivity, safer skies, and greener travel experiences for millions of passengers.

Hosted by the Civil Aviation Bureau of Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, the five-day event (July 28 – August 1, 2025) is being held under the theme “The Sustainable Skies of the Asia-Pacific Region: Towards Increased Economic Prosperity and Social Well-Being by Air Transport of People and Goods in the Region.”

With air traffic in the region expected to double by 2043, the conference brings together over 400 delegates from 35 countries and 12 international organizations to discuss strategies for safer, cleaner, and more efficient air travel. It also include 16 exhibitors and 14 sponsors. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) delegation is led by Secretary-General Juan Carlos Salazar, with regional directors and technical officers overseeing the proceedings. During the opening ceremony, ICAO Secretary -General Salazar emphasized the need for consistent safety standards, with the region's effective implementation score at 67%.

Topics include improving aviation safety standards, addressing environmental challenges through initiatives like CORSIA, and strengthening regional collaboration to make flying more seamless for travelers.

Industry experts say these discussions will play a crucial role in shaping future travel experiences, including better-managed air routes, reduced carbon emissions, and enhanced airport safety measures. For frequent flyers and tourists, the outcomes of DGCA/60 could pave the way for faster connections, greener flights, and improved international aviation services in the years ahead.

The conference features 160 papers and 10 key agenda items, focusing not only on current aviation challenges but also on long-term plans for sustainable growth in air transport—a vital pillar for the tourism industry across Asia and the Pacific.