Routes Asia 2026: Xi’an Air Connectivity Hub
Routes Asia, the premier event uniting decision makers from airlines, airports, and destinations to shape regional air route networks, is set to take place in Xi’an, China from March 24 to 26, 2026. This highly anticipated summit marks a significant milestone in the region’s aviation development as hosting responsibilities have been passed from Perth Airport and Tourism Western Australia to the China West Airport Group. The event has consistently brought together key players from the global air service community, with over half of the world’s new air services linked to outcomes from previous Routes events. In 2026, more than 110 VPs and Heads of Network Planning from leading carriers are expected to converge in Xi’an, making it a pivotal gathering for advancing connectivity in the Asia Pacific region.
Xi’an, the capital of Shaanxi province and a city steeped in history as the Eastern terminus of the ancient Silk Road, is the ideal host for this influential event. The city’s rich cultural heritage, showcased by landmarks such as the Terracotta Army and five other UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites, provides an inspiring backdrop for discussions on modern air service development. Xi’an is not only celebrated for its historical significance but also for its role as a major transport hub in Northern China. The city’s Xi’an Xianyang International Airport, currently undergoing a multiyear expansion project, now boasts an annual passenger handling capacity of 80 million and is gearing up for further growth with plans to transition to three-runway operations, and eventually four-runway operations, to meet future demands.
At the handover ceremony, Steven Small, director of Routes, highlighted the event’s success in drawing unprecedented airline participation, emphasizing that the previous edition saw the largest airline attendance and exhibition in Routes Asia history. He noted that hosting the 2026 event in Xi’an is strategically aligned with the airport’s objective to bolster existing networks in Southeast and North Asia while exploring expansion opportunities into Central Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. This initiative is expected to not only enhance air connectivity but also drive significant benefits in terms of increased tourism, trade, and investment in the region.
Yang Ou, chairman of China West Airport Group, spoke enthusiastically about Xi’an’s storied past and its future prospects. He remarked that Xi’an, known as one of China’s most historically influential capitals, is poised to leverage its heritage and strategic location to further boost regional aviation connectivity. With China West Airport Group currently managing 18 airports across Shaanxi, Ningxia, and Qinghai provinces, the group is committed to developing Xi’an Xianyang International Airport into a leading international hub that can serve as a gateway to Central and Eastern Europe, Central and Western Asia, and support the broader Belt and Road initiative. Yang expressed optimism that the Routes Asia 2026 event will accelerate these efforts, creating a unique platform for domestic and international aviation stakeholders to collaborate on the next generation of air route networks.
As Routes Asia 2026 approaches, Xi’an is set to become the focal point for transformative discussions in the aviation industry, with far-reaching implications for air service expansion, tourism growth, and regional economic development. The summit promises to be a catalyst for forging new partnerships and establishing innovative strategies that will define the future of air connectivity in the Asia Pacific and beyond.
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