Aviation Health Conference 2026: Inside the Istanbul Summit

Gathering in Istanbul, Turkey (29–30 September 2026) for the Aviation Health Conference 2026, international experts in aerospace medicine met to discuss safety standards for passengers and flight crews. Co-organised by Quaynote Communications and the International Airlines Medical Association (IAMA), the event is positioned as the leading global forum for aeromedical specialists.

European Society of Aerospace Medicine President Dr Vincent Feuillie noted that progress demands “collaboration, scientific excellence, and a shared commitment to the health, safety, and performance of all those who fly.” This 2026 conference advances this commitment by turning clinical research into airline policy.

Co-chaired by Dr Sara Souter (IAMA President) and Dr Rui Pombal (IATA Medical Advisor), the 2-day conference featured 6 sessions, 30+ speakers and presentations. Topics included aircrew and passenger health, medical certification, public health readiness, and cabin health, bringing together airline medical directors, CAA regulators, and experts.

As MENA aviation hubs expand, aeromedical readiness is required. Alongside international peers, Arab and regional specialists addressed industry issues.

MENA Medical Leaders Take the Stage

  • Dr Elif Gunduz Kamberler (Turkish Airlines): Opening the meeting on 29 September, Dr Kamberler presented epidemiological data on duty period health events and operational management.
  • Dr Warda Marhoon (Consultant Aeromedicine, Royal Bahrain Hospital): Presented on 29 September. Dr Marhoon examined pilot weight management. 
  • Dr Azeem Ali (Senior Ground Medical Services Doctor, Emirates Airline, UAE): Presented on 30 September. Dr Ali delivered a Middle Eastern case study. 

Quantifying the Global Aviation Health Risk

Global data showed that in-flight incidents reached 39 medical events per 1 million enplanements (each passenger who boards an aircraft). In addition, up to 56% of pilots report concealing health issues due to fear of grounding, while 63.5% of flight crews experience abnormal fatigue.

By pioneering clinical protocols and data-driven health planning, MENA’s aeromedical experts are supporting the world’s busiest mega-hubs while also setting the new global standards for aviation safety.

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