PRESS RELEASE: Routes Europe Officially Handed Over To 2026 Hosts

On the final day of the 2025 edition of the event, the Government of Spain, The Regional Ministry for Tourism, Culture and Sport of the Government of Andalucia, and Seville City Hall, officially handed over the hosting responsibilities of Routes Europe to The Emilia-Romagna Region, The Municipality of Rimini and the Rimini and San Marino International Airport.

Routes Europe is held in varying venues and locations annually, bringing together key stakeholders from the route development community to drive air network growth across the region and beyond. Airlines, airports, and tourism authorities are expected to take part in over 5,000 meetings at the 2026 edition of the event which will act as a catalyst to form strong partnerships across air service development.

The secret of Rimini’s success is the friendliness and hospitality of its inhabitants and a territory that offers 15 kilometres of beach, 230 colourful bathing establishments, 1,200 hotels and many theme and amusement parks, but also 2,000 years of history. It’s home to many artistic masterpieces from the Roman to the Renaissance period alongside hosting conventions and events in its new Exhibition Centre, Rimini Fiera, which is considered one of the most modern in Europe, and new conference centre, Palacongressi.

Rimini and San Marino International Airport ‘Federico Fellini’ (RMI) plays a critical role in the growing visitor numbers for the destination. Forecast to handle 450,000 passengers in 2025, a 50% increase on the previous year, airlines will provide services to 27 destinations. As the second-largest airport in the region, RMI has capacity to expand and support growing demand. By hosting Routes Europe 2026, Rimini will enhance its international promotion of the Emilia-Romagna Region’s tourism offering in aim to attract more than 65 million overnight stays by 2030 and double the tourism sector’s GDP contribution to 16%.

Airlines across the region have already recognised Rimini’s potential with British Airways commencing its London Heathrow Airport route this summer, opening connectivity for long-haul travellers across the United States and Canada. easyJet has also expanded its services from Rimini to London Gatwick Airport (LGW) and EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg (BSL) which commenced in April 2025. Spanish airline Vueling will also implement a new service to Barcelona El-Prat Airport (BCN) in July, enriching Rimini’s route network.

Roberta Frisoni, Emilia-Romagna Region Minister for Tourism, Trade and Sport said: “Hosting Routes Europe in Emilia-Romagna represents a great opportunity to further develop an integrated strategy for our regional airport network. This is a world-class event that will strengthen our positioning as an increasingly attractive tourist destination on international markets, thus encouraging investments and network logistics. We see this as a great opportunity to showcase our most attractive tourist products, from motor vehicles to arts and culture, seaside tourism to active holidays and slow tourism.”

By consistently uniting decision-makers from the European route development community, Routes Europe has made a real impact on the region's air services – over half of the region’s new routes are connected to meetings at the event. VPs and Heads of Network Planning from 110 of Europe’s leading carriers are expected to attend the event in Rimini.

Steven Small, Director of Routes, said: “Hosting the 19th edition of Routes Europe aligns with Rimini’s goals to strengthen its route network and cement its position as a leading tourist destination to the region’s fastest-growing airlines. Enhancements in air connectivity have proven to contribute to increased touristic appeal and economic growth. By bringing the European route development community to the Emilia-Romagna Region, Rimini will showcase its attractiveness to key-decision makers and ultimately increase direct air connectivity.”