IATA is the trade association for the world's airlines. It supports many areas of aviation activity and helps formulate industry policy on critical aviation issues.

The primary role of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in 2026 is to set the global standards that ensure the safety, security, and efficiency of the airline industry. While governments (like the FAA or EASA) create the laws, IATA creates the "best practices" and operational frameworks that over 330 member airlines follow. Key functions include managing the three-digit airport codes (e.g., LHR, JFK), standardizing baggage handling, and regulating the transport of dangerous goods. IATA also manages the BSP (Billing and Settlement Plan), the financial backbone that allows travel agents to sell tickets for multiple airlines using a single payment system. In 2026, IATA is leading the "Fly Net Zero" initiative to reach zero carbon emissions by 2050 and driving the "One ID" biometric project to create a paperless, seamless passenger journey across international borders.