Seville’s Bold Vision for Enhanced Air Connectivity
As Seville prepares to host Routes Europe 2025, the city is unveiling a comprehensive air connectivity strategy aimed at transforming it into a major hub for international travel. Angie Moreno, Seville’s councillor for tourism and culture, detailed the city’s plans in an in-depth interview, emphasizing that Seville is focusing on long-haul growth, sustainability, and strategic partnerships to boost its global network. Moreno explained that the city is working closely with airlines and airports to expand direct air connectivity, targeting key international markets. “We work on the connectivity strategy from a comprehensive perspective that combines market analysis, collaboration with airlines, promotion of the destination, and flexibility,” she stated. The Seville Strategic Plan for Air Connectivity 2023-25 has been designed to identify strategic markets and optimize resources, ensuring that every effort is directed toward expanding the city’s route network.
Moreno highlighted that collaboration with airlines is a fundamental element of this strategy. The city is engaging with carriers such as Vueling, Ryanair, and Transavia to maintain and grow the current passenger volume while providing strategic information, customized incentives, and promotional support for new routes. This collaborative approach is not limited to carriers already operating flights to Seville; the strategy also targets airlines that have yet to launch services. By working closely with the Junta de Andalucía and other institutions, Seville is implementing joint promotion initiatives, particularly in countries like the United States, Turkey, and China, where institutional links are being strengthened to attract more direct flights.
The city’s efforts have already begun to bear fruit. In 2024, Seville successfully recovered key routes to Basel and Stockholm, while new connections were established with Brive-La-Gaillarde, Bucharest, Istanbul, Mulhouse/Basel, and Trieste. Recently, Seville further bolstered its network by opening new routes to Copenhagen and Düsseldorf. Moreno expressed that these actions have significantly enhanced the city’s international market presence, positioning Seville as a year-round destination with stable demand and a clear vision for long-haul expansion.
To attract more long-haul flights, Seville is specifically targeting the Middle East and North America. Moreno mentioned that direct routes from New York and Miami are being prioritized to serve Chinese and American visitors exploring Spain, while conversations with Gulf airlines are underway to tap into the burgeoning luxury and business tourism market from the Middle East. The city’s strategy also includes leveraging the recent success of the daily direct route to Istanbul as a stepping stone to further expand into these markets.
Balancing tourism growth with sustainability is another key focus of Seville’s approach. Moreno noted that the stable, year-round demand helps manage visitor flows and avoid the extreme peaks seen in other cities. The city is committed to promoting responsible tourism by emphasizing cultural events, gastronomic experiences, and off-the-beaten-track routes that respect its cultural and environmental heritage. Moreover, sustainable mobility initiatives are being promoted to connect Seville with other regions of Andalucía, facilitating eco-friendly travel within the city.
Finally, Seville is also keen to diversify its tourism offerings by attracting various traveler segments such as business, luxury, and active outdoor enthusiasts. With modern venues like FIBES and the Seville Exhibition and Conference Centre set to host international events including Routes Europe 2025, Seville is well-positioned to welcome corporate travelers and MICE tourism. Moreno’s message to Routes Europe delegates is clear: Seville is a dynamic, growing hub with unmatched connectivity potential and an unwavering commitment to sustainability, making it an ideal gateway for airlines and airports seeking to expand their route networks in Europe and beyond.
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