FIAA 2026 positions itself as the bus and coach sector’s key strategic partner

Authored and sponsored by IFEMA

FIAA trade fair strengthens its role as a strategic platform to anticipate the future of passenger road transport. Internationalisation, sustainability and digitalisation will shape FIAA’s 2026 agenda, taking place from 22 to 24 September at IFEMA MADRID.

The next edition of FIAA, the International Bus and Coach Trade Fair, will take place in September 2026 at a key moment for the road passenger transport sector, which enters the year with strong prospects and clear growth trajectories. The industry faces a scenario marked by profound transformations and structural challenges that will define its evolution in the short and medium term. It must confront challenges such as sustainability, digitalisation, franchise renewals, driver recruitment, adaptation to a changing regulatory framework and the necessary balance between investment and profitability; in this context, the sector needs spaces for support, analysis and cooperation.

Against this backdrop, FIAA, organised by IFEMA MADRID, reinforces its position as the sector’s leading strategic ally, providing a platform where manufacturers, operators, public authorities and suppliers can share knowledge, assess solutions and move forward together in addressing these challenges.

Towards FIAA 2026, Spanish market is booming

“Looking ahead to the next edition, FIAA is evolving to respond to real needs and to be the sector’s primary strategic partner,” states David Moneo, the fair’s director. “Our role is to support professionals at a time of change, facilitating meetings, dialogue and access to solutions that help them make informed decisions.”

According to the report Spanish Public Transport: At Its Best Moment Ever, presented by FIAA,Spain has consolidated its position as one of Europe’s most dynamic bus markets, with a fleet of close to 60,000 vehicles and more than 4,300 new registrations in 2025. This strength, however, coexists with challenges that will shape the sector’s outlook in 2026.

“The sector’s strength does not eliminate the complexity of the current situation,” notes Moneo. “On the contrary, it demands that changes be approached with planning, coordination and a long-term vision.”

One of the major challenges for 2026 will be the transition to low and zero emission fleets. The push for European climate targets and public mobility policies is accelerating vehicle renewal, but also poses technical, operational and economic challenges. “FIAA enables us to analyse this transition from a realistic perspective,” says Moneo. “The fair showcases different technologies and solutions – electrification, renewable gas, hydrogen – so that each operator can assess which option best suits their specific needs.”

Not just energy transition: digitalization and regulations are key

Digitalisation will be another key focus in 2026. Intelligent fleet management, predictive maintenance, connectivity and the use of data have become key factors in improving efficiency, safety and quality of service. “At FIAA, you will see how technology translates into concrete improvements for companies,” explains Moneo.”Digitalisation is not an end in itself, but a tool to better meet the challenges of day-to-day operations“.

In addition to these issues, there are challenges such as the generational renewal of drivers, regulatory adaptation and pressure on profitability in a context of high investment. “These are issues that cannot be tackled in isolation,” stresses David Moneo. “FIAA acts as a neutral space where the different actors in the sector can exchange views and move towards shared solutions“.

Looking ahead to 2026, FIAA is also strengthening its international dimension, with the aim of connecting the Spanish sector with other markets and attracting international manufacturers, operators and professionals. “The internationalisation of FIAA expands opportunities for companies in the sector and strengthens their competitiveness,” concludes Moneo. “We want the fair to be a global hub at a time of transformation in passenger transport”.