Aviation Leaders Unite In Bahrain To Define Global Air Connectivity

Over 80% of the world’s top 100 airlines by ASK will be in attendance at the 29th edition of Routes World.

On Saturday 5 October, decision makers from the world’s airlines, airports and destinations will come together at Bahrain International Circuit to mark the start of Routes World 2024, the annual global route development forum.

According to IATA, total global passenger numbers are expected to increase 10.4% year-on-year in 2024. Recognising the critical role of the air transport sector in supporting millions of jobs worldwide, Routes World is set to convene in Bahrain this week (6–8 October), bringing together more than 2,300 decision makers from airlines, airports, and destinations to define future global air connectivity.

Marking its 29th edition, this year’s event will be attended by vice presidents and heads of network planning from 230 of the world’s biggest airlines, who will engage in over 9,000 meetings with airport and destination representatives to identify new route opportunities. Carriers in attendance will 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, among others. View the attendee list

Association leaders, airline CEOs and industry heavyweights will deliver over 10 hours of actionable insight during the Conference Programme

Confirmed speakers include:

• Jeffrey Goh, Chief Executive Officer, Gulf Air Group Holding
• Con Korfiatis, Chief Executive Officer, Oman Air
• Tony Douglas, Chief Executive Officer, Riyadh Air
• Adel Abdullah Ali, Chief Executive Officer, Air Arabia
• Steven Greenway, Chief Executive Officer, flyadeal
• Justin Erbacci, Director General, ACI World
• Vivian Cheung, Acting Chief Executive Officer, Airport Authority Hong Kong
• Christoph Schnellmann, Chief Executive Officer, Noida International Airport
• Julian Jäger, Chief Executive Officer, Vienna Airport

The Routes World conference programme is sponsored by Airbus, Expedia Group Media Solutions, and Noida International Airport.

In partnership with Low Season Traveller and the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), Routes World 2024 will host the inaugural Tourism Seasonality Summit. Taking place on October 8, the summit will bring together thought-leaders from destinations, airports and airlines to explore innovative solutions for sustainable growth beyond peak tourist seasons.

Confirmed speakers include:

• Sara Ahmed Buhiji, Chief Executive Officer, Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA)
• Sthembiso Dlamini, Chief Executive Officer, Gauteng Tourism Authority
• Stacy Cox, Chief Executive Officer, Turks & Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association
• Colin James, Chief Executive Officer, Antigua & Barbuda Tourism
• Petra Roach, Chief Executive Officer, Grenada Tourism Authority
• Yrjötapio Kivisaari, President and Chief Executive Officer, Visit Oulu

The Tourism Seasonality Summit is sponsored by Milan Airports and YesMilano.

This year’s event will be hosted by Bahrain International Airport. Capacity from Bahrain hit a record high in August 2024, helped by the addition of several new routes launched in recent months. Bahrain Airport Company also reported a 13.2% increase in passenger volume at the airport, serving 4.6 million travellers in the first half of 2024.

Opened in January 2021, the new Passenger Terminal offers greater capacity for passengers, cargo and commercial activities. It has doubled the airport’s capacity to more than 14 million passengers and 130,000 aircraft flights annually, in addition to a handling capacity of 4,700 bags per hour. Hosting Routes World will showcase the significant opportunities that the Kingdom has to offer to airline decision makers from across the world.

Steven Small, director of Routes, said: “We are delighted to be holding the 29th edition of our flagship event, Routes World, at Exhibition World Bahrain. The Kingdom of Bahrain has emerged as a prominent regional hub for exhibition and conference tourism. It is a destination set for growth with significant investment in strategic infrastructure and tourism projects which are set to further catalyse growth and reinforce Bahrain as an international tourism hub."

With previous host destinations of Routes World seeing air route network expansion outpace competitors by 5.2%, I am confident that this event will fuel further growth of the MICE and tourism industries for the Kingdom.

Over 680 of the world's leading airlines, airports, destinations and industry suppliers will be represented at the event this week, with more than 100 of these organisations exhibiting or sponsoring. This is a global platform for the Kingdom of Bahrain – over 110 countries will witness first-hand the opportunities it has to offer.”

Mohamed Yousif AlBinfalah, Chief Executive Officer of Bahrain Airport Company, said: “We are honoured 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. This is also in line with Bahrain's vision and our five-year strategy to connect the Kingdom to 100 destinations by 2026 and increase the number of airlines operating out of Bahrain International Airport."

Routes World provides a significant platform for industry leaders to connect, collaborate, and shape the future of aviation. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in high-level discussions, share insights on emerging trends, and explore new partnerships that can drive growth and innovation across the sector. The presence of such influential decision-makers creates a fertile ground for forging collaboration and unlocking new opportunities within the global aviation market.”