Rio to Host Routes Americas 2026, Driving Connectivity
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is set to host the 19th edition of Routes Americas in 2026, a premier aviation event focused on advancing air service development across the Americas. The announcement was made on December 12, 2024, in Rio, with the event to be organized by RIOgaleão, Invest Rio, and Prefeitura do Rio, with support from Visit Rio.
As Brazil’s second-largest city and a major hub in Latin America, Rio de Janeiro boasts a diverse economy driven by industries like energy, telecommunications, and tourism. The city is also a global tourism magnet, having welcomed over 760,000 international visitors in the first half of 2024—a 19% increase compared to the previous year.
RIOgaleão, the city’s international airport, plays a pivotal role in this growth. Connecting Rio to over 50 domestic and international destinations, the airport has seen a surge in passenger numbers in 2024. Steven Small, director of Routes, highlighted Rio’s successful history of hosting major global events, including the 2016 Olympics and the G20 Leaders’ Summit, emphasizing the potential of Routes Americas to further enhance Rio’s global connectivity and tourism appeal.
Previous host airports of Routes events have experienced network growth of up to 6.9% above comparable airports within three years. The 2026 edition will attract decision-makers from over 90 leading airlines, presenting a unique opportunity for Rio to showcase its infrastructure and tourism potential to a global audience.
Alexandre Monteiro, CEO of RIOgaleão, expressed excitement about hosting the event, noting the airport’s decade-long participation in Routes events. “Hosting Routes Americas will allow us to highlight Rio’s strategic position and growth opportunities to airline partners worldwide,” he said.
Carlos Werneck, CEO of Visit Rio, underscored the event’s significance in enhancing Rio’s air connectivity and investment potential. “Securing Routes Americas reflects our commitment to strengthening Rio’s position as a top global destination,” he stated.
Mayor Eduardo Paes also celebrated the announcement, emphasizing Rio’s robust infrastructure and unmatched hospitality. He noted that the city’s ongoing collaboration with the federal government and RIOgaleão has positioned it as a top host for major international events.
Routes Americas 2026 is expected to further boost Rio’s tourism, economy, and global aviation influence, solidifying its role as a key player in the Americas.
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