FIAA 2026, the International Bus and Coach Trade Fair, welcomed 10,859 industry professionals to IFEMA MADRID from 22 to 24 September. The sixteenth edition focused on electrification, digitalisation, artificial intelligence and more efficient passenger transport operations.
Manufacturers, operators, technology suppliers and public institutions presented new vehicles and solutions for connected, safe and more sustainable mobility.
FIAA 2026 in numbers
The organisers reported stronger international attendance and growth in the number of exhibitors compared with previous editions:
- 10,859 trade visitors from 83 countries;
- 110 exhibiting companies, 18% more than in 2024;
- 35 companies participating for the first time;
- a 46% increase in international attendance.
Almost 80 accredited journalists from 21 countries covered the event, while more than 1,000 professionals attended the discussions, debates and round tables held at the FIAA Forum.
Electrification, digitalisation and artificial intelligence
Electric city and intercity buses were among the main highlights. Daimler Buses presented the eIntouro M, its first electric intercity bus, while IVECO BUS staged the European premieres of the eFLEXY Line and CROSSWAY ELEC. Other notable vehicles included the 15-metre Irizar i3 electric and the Solaris Urbino 15 LE electric for intercity routes.
The technology on display extended beyond drivetrains. The exhibition featured charging infrastructure, remote diagnostics, fleet-management systems and safety tools. HIGER’s G-BOS platform, for example, brings together operational data for intelligent fleet management.
Other launches included TEMSA’s electric Avenue Neo and the Marcopolo Paradiso G8, the manufacturer’s first fully electric vehicle developed for the European market. Setra marked its 75th anniversary with the S 516 HDH, which was named Coach of the Year 2026.
Professional programme and awards
FIAA Forum discussions covered decarbonisation, operational profitability, digitalisation, artificial intelligence and women’s role in the sector. The Sustainable Bus Awards 2027 were also presented during the exhibition, with Solaris, BYD and Irizar recognised in their respective categories.
Manufacturers and operators also discussed what the next generation of buses will look like, including the role of connected systems, energy efficiency and new service models.
The programme also included the Sustainable Bus Tour 2026 and a Global Mobility Call workshop examining the role of buses in a more connected and integrated transport system.
The direction of bus transport
FIAA 2026 showed that the bus is increasingly becoming an electrified and data-driven transport platform. For European and Bulgarian operators, this creates decisions not only about fleet renewal, but also about charging infrastructure, staff training, digital systems and maintenance.
IFEMA MADRID is already preparing for the next edition in 2028, which will continue the industry’s discussion about more connected, safe and sustainable passenger transport.