Routes Americas 2026 Set for Rio de Janeiro
Routes Americas, the premier event that unites decision-makers from airlines, airports, and destinations to shape regional air route networks, is headed to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from March 3-5, 2026. This move marks a new chapter for the event, which has played a pivotal role in driving air connectivity across the Americas, and is set to boost Rio’s profile as a major international hub.
The hosting responsibilities for Routes Americas 2026 have been officially transferred from the Nassau & Paradise Island Promotion Board, in collaboration with Nassau Airport Development Company and The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, to key Rio partners. The new hosts include RIOgaleão Airport, Rio de Janeiro City Hall, Invest Rio, and Visit Rio. This handover signals the city’s rising prominence in global aviation and tourism.
According to a study by the World Travel and Tourism Council, travel and tourism in Brazil is projected to contribute as much as $194.6 billion to the nation’s GDP by 2034. To support this expected growth, Rio has made significant strides in upgrading its transport and tourism infrastructure. RIOgaleão – Rio de Janeiro International Airport – now connects the city to more than 50 domestic and international destinations. As Brazil’s second-largest city and the sixth most populous in Latin America, Rio de Janeiro serves as a crucial financial and commercial hub with a dynamic economy spanning energy, telecommunications, tourism, and entertainment sectors.
Routes Americas has long been celebrated for its role in driving global air service growth; over half of the world’s new air routes are attributed to the event’s networking and strategic discussions. In 2026, more than 90 airline executives, including VPs and Heads of Network Planning from over 90 carriers, are expected to attend the event, further cementing its status as a must-attend forum for the aviation industry.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Steven Small, director of Routes Americas, highlighted the event’s influence: “This year’s event saw our largest ever airline attendance and exhibition for a Routes Americas. This underscores the significant role Routes Americas plays in defining air connectivity across the Americas region.” Small emphasized that hosting the event in Rio will support the city’s ambition to attract more international events, promote tourism, and secure investment by driving air connectivity.
Alexandre Monteiro, CEO of RIOgaleão, expressed enthusiasm about hosting the event: “We are delighted to finally host Routes Americas 2026. It is a unique opportunity to showcase Rio de Janeiro to airline delegates from around the world. RIOgaleão is the main gateway for tourism to Brazil and offers plenty of growth opportunities for our airline partners.” Carlos Werneck, CEO of Visit Rio, added, “Securing Routes Americas reflects our commitment to expanding Rio’s air connectivity. A robust air network will help attract investments and position Rio as a destination for the world’s most important events.”
Mayor Eduardo Paes also praised the city’s resilience, stating, “We know rebuilding has not been easy, but by working together with the Federal Government and Galeão Airport, we’ve seen remarkable results. Rio is once again successfully hosting the world’s most important events. Our robust infrastructure and unmatched hospitality ensure that Routes Americas will thrive here, bringing new routes and airlines to the city.”
Routes Americas 2026 will take place at EXPO MAG in Rio de Janeiro from March 3-5, 2026, promising to deliver transformative discussions, strategic partnerships, and innovative ideas that will shape the future of air travel in the Americas.
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