The International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers’ Associations (IFATCA) has announced the relocation of its 2027 Annual Conference from Uganda to Türkiye, citing concerns over the ongoing Ebola virus outbreak and the uncertainty surrounding international travel and public health measures. In a statement issued by the IFATCA Executive Board (EB), the federation said the decision followed close monitoring of the Ebola situation in Uganda in collaboration with the Organising Committee of its Ugandan Member Association.
According to the Executive Board, several factors influenced the decision, including travel restrictions and quarantine measures imposed by a number of countries, the possibility of a resurgence of Ebola cases in the coming months, and the uncertainty of successfully staging an international conference of such scale in Uganda in April 2027. “After careful consideration, the EB has concluded that relocating the IFATCA Annual Conference 2027 is the most prudent course of action,” the statement said, adding that the decision was taken in the best interests of both the Ugandan host association and IFATCA’s global membership.
The Executive Board acknowledged that the decision was difficult and emphasized that it was not taken lightly. It expressed sincere appreciation for the significant time, effort and commitment invested by the Ugandan Organising Committee in preparing to host the conference. Despite the relocation, IFATCA reaffirmed its confidence in Uganda’s ability to host a future edition of the conference once conditions are more favourable. Following a review of alternative proposals and venue availability, the Executive Board selected Türkiye as the new host country for the 2027 IFATCA Annual Conference.
With only eight months remaining before the event, IFATCA acknowledged that the change presents logistical and organisational challenges for both its Member Associations and the Turkish organisers. The federation commended the Turkish Member Association for stepping forward to host the conference on short notice and for supporting the federation during what it described as exceptional circumstances.
The Executive Board also expressed its gratitude to the Ugandan Member Association for its continued commitment and support to IFATCA, reiterating its hope that Uganda would have the opportunity to host the federation’s annual conference in the near future. IFATCA said it will continue to provide Member Associations with timely updates as arrangements for the conference in Türkiye progress
