Routes World 2024: 80% of Top Airlines Gather in Bahrain
Over 80% of the world’s top 100 airlines by Available Seat Kilometers (ASK) are set to attend the 29th edition of Routes World 2024, the annual global route development forum. Kicking off on Saturday, October 5, at the Bahrain International Circuit, this event marks a significant milestone for Bahrain as a burgeoning hub for aviation and tourism.
According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), global passenger numbers are expected to increase by 10.4% year-on-year in 2024. Recognizing the critical role of air transport in supporting millions of jobs worldwide, Routes World 2024 aims to shape the future of global air connectivity. From October 6 to 8, over 2,300 decision-makers from airlines, airports, and destinations will convene to define new route opportunities and discuss industry trends.
Key Highlights of Routes World 2024:
- Attendance of Top Airlines: Vice presidents and heads of network planning from 230 of the world’s biggest airlines will engage in over 9,000 meetings with airport and destination representatives. Notable carriers include Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Emirates Airline, Delta Air Lines, China Eastern Airlines, Lufthansa Group, Air Canada, International Airlines Group, Riyadh Air, Turkish Airlines, Japan Airlines, Air France, Gulf Air, Oman Air, and Air China.
- Insightful Conference Program: Industry leaders and airline CEOs will deliver over 10 hours of actionable insights. Confirmed speakers are:
- Jeffrey Goh, CEO of Gulf Air Group Holding
- Con Korfiatis, CEO of Oman Air
- Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air
- Adel Abdullah Ali, CEO of Air Arabia
- Steven Greenway, CEO of flyadeal
- Justin Erbacci, Director General of ACI World
- Vivian Cheung, Acting CEO of Airport Authority Hong Kong
- Christoph Schnellmann, CEO of Noida International Airport
- Julian Jäger, CEO of Vienna Airport
- Tourism Seasonality Summit: In partnership with Low Season Traveller and the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), Routes World will host the inaugural Tourism Seasonality Summit on October 8. The summit will explore sustainable growth beyond peak tourist seasons. Confirmed speakers include:
- Sara Ahmed Buhiji, CEO of Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority
- Sthembiso Dlamini, CEO of Gauteng Tourism Authority
- Stacy Cox, CEO of Turks & Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association
- Colin James, CEO of Antigua & Barbuda Tourism
- Petra Roach, CEO of Grenada Tourism Authority
- Yrjötapio Kivisaari, President and CEO of Visit Oulu
Bahrain International Airport’s Milestone
Hosting Routes World 2024 is a significant achievement for Bahrain International Airport. In August 2024, the airport hit a record high in capacity, boosted by several new routes launched in recent months. The Bahrain Airport Company reported a 13.2% increase in passenger volume, serving 4.6 million travelers in the first half of 2024.
Opened in January 2021, the new Passenger Terminal has doubled the airport’s capacity to over 14 million passengers and 130,000 aircraft flights annually. With a handling capacity of 4,700 bags per hour, the terminal enhances Bahrain’s position as a global aviation hub.
Statements from Industry Leaders
Steven Small, Director of Routes, stated:
“We are delighted to hold the 29th edition of our flagship event at Exhibition World Bahrain. The Kingdom of Bahrain has emerged as a prominent regional hub for exhibition and conference tourism. Significant investments in infrastructure and tourism projects are set to catalyze growth and reinforce Bahrain as an international tourism hub.”
Mohamed Yousif AlBinfalah, CEO of Bahrain Airport Company, commented:
“We are honored to host Routes World 2024 and welcome aviation leaders from across the globe to experience Bahrain’s exceptional hospitality and connectivity. This event aligns perfectly with our vision to establish Bahrain as a global aviation and tourism hub, leveraging our strategic location and world-class infrastructure.”
Global Impact of Routes World 2024
With over 680 leading airlines, airports, destinations, and industry suppliers represented—and more than 100 organizations exhibiting or sponsoring—Routes World 2024 offers a global platform for Bahrain to showcase its opportunities. Delegates from over 110 countries will witness firsthand what the Kingdom has to offer.
Participants will engage in high-level discussions, share insights on emerging trends, and explore partnerships that can drive growth and innovation across the aviation sector. The presence of influential decision-makers creates a fertile ground for collaboration and unlocking new opportunities within the global aviation market.
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