More than 560 aviation professionals gathered in San Diego for the National Business Aviation Association’s (NBAA’s) 2026 International Operators Conference (IOC2026), which delivered three days of briefings and discussions focused on international mission planning.

“The IOC’s theme to ‘inspire, optimise and connect’ set the tone perfectly,” says Paul Scurio, International Operators Committee chair at the National Business Aviation Association. “For entrepreneurs and companies managing international mission planning, the event offered an unmatched opportunity to access the very latest information available, all in one gathering.”

Sessions addressed evolving global route navigation, operational planning and practical flight safety considerations. International pilots shared real-world advice on flight planning and operating at remote or demanding airports. Other discussions examined GPS jamming security, cyber threats and pilot healthcare policies affecting international operations.

“This IOC assembled a deep bench of experts with strategic guidance related to both evolving global operations and quickly shifting regional considerations,” says Laura Everington, director of flight operations and regulations at the National Business Aviation Association. “The information regarding the Middle East, where the geopolitical environment is especially volatile, was particularly relevant. That said, we also had essential information operators need to inform travel to the destinations most frequently on their itineraries: the North Atlantic, Mexico, South America, Africa, Asia, Australia and airport-sparse regions of Oceania.”

Networking events included a gathering on the flight deck of the USS Midway Museum overlooking San Diego Harbour.

Regulatory engagement included participation from the Federal Aviation Administration, whose representatives answered questions on US policy developments. FAA federal air surgeon Dr Susan Northrup also joined a panel discussing pilot medical certification and mental health.

Industry organisations including the International Business Aviation Council, European Business Aviation Association, Canadian Business Aviation Association and Brazilian Association of General Aviation also took part.

“The turnout has been very strong, and the response I’ve heard from conference participants has been universally positive,” says Rob Turpin, operations manager at EVO Flight Services. “I’ve noticed a lot of new people here this year, with a lot of energy. I’ve made some very good contacts.”

The conference also included a discussion on combating human trafficking, highlighting NBAA’s partnership with Signature Aviation and the American Association of Airport Executives. NBAA also announced eight recipients of its 2026 International Operators Scholarships.

“This annual gathering of international pilots, scheduler-dispatchers and other business aviation professionals is like no other,” says Jo Damato, senior vice president of events and professional engagement at the National Business Aviation Association. “When this tight-knit global community gathers together, it creates a focused learning fellowship that is both collegial and electric, truly an essential part of our thriving industry. We’re already looking forward to plans for the 2027 IOC.”

The 2027 conference will take place March 23–25 in New Orleans.