In December, the Féderátion Aéronautique Internationale announced that it has cancelled the 2022 FAI World Air Games, which were to take place in Turkey. The Turkish Aeronautical Association, which was organizing the event, asked the FAI to postpone the games until 2025 due to what is currently a difficult economic situation in the country. Following this request, the FAI Executive Board, after consultation with the Air Sports Commission, decided to cancel the games rather than postpone them. The board further announced that the federation will undertake an overall review of the FAI World Air Games concept and format before deciding on any future edition of the games.
FAI President Bob Henderson said: “This has not been an easy decision to make. However, it has been taken with all interests at heart and with a long-term and strategic view. The FAI World Air Games is the flagship event of the Federation and, as such, we must make sure that it be held in optimal conditions. The FAI will take this opportunity to discuss internally the future of the games, taking all FAI stakeholders’ best interests in consideration.”