PRESS RELEASE: Routes World officially handed over to 2025 hosts

Routes World, which brings together decision makers from airlines, airports and destinations to define the world’s air route networks, is heading to Hong Kong from 24-26 September in 2025.

As the 2024 edition of the event drew to a close, Bahrain International Airport handed over the hosting responsibilities of the event to Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), who will be hosting next year’s event with support from Hong Kong Tourism Board.

HKIA has witnessed strong passenger growth in 2024. In August, the hub handled 4.92 million passengers and 31,605 flight movements, representing year-on-year increases of 23.0% and 26.1%, respectively. Significant infrastructure investments will see the airport handle over 120 million passengers annually by 2035.

HKIA is one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs, boasting an extensive global network. Over 120 airlines connect HKIA to approximately 220 destinations worldwide, including around 50 destinations in Mainland China. Since 2010, HKIA has also held the title of being the world’s busiest cargo airport.

HKIA is transforming into an Airport City at pace. This vision involves rigorous development in many aspects including core passenger and cargo services, multimodal regional connectivity, retail, hospitality, conference and exhibitions, entertainment, marina, and office facilities. The Airport City will be a destination in itself, a driver for local and regional business growth, a centre of technovation and a high-value cargo hub which will reinforce HKIA’s role as a growth engine for Hong Kong.

By consistently uniting decision-makers from the global route development community on an international platform, Routes World has made a real impact on the world's air services – over half of the world's new routes are connected to meetings at the event. VPs and Heads of Network Planning from 260 carriers are expected to attend Routes World in 2025.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Steven Small, Director of Routes, said: “With half the world’s population within a five-hour flight, Hong Kong is where East-meets-West. To strengthen Hong Kong’s status as an international aviation hub, and to cater for the city’s long-term air traffic demand, Hong Kong International Airport is developing into a three-runway system which is due to be completed at the end of this year. Routes World 2025 will be the perfect platform for HKIA to showcase this investment.”

Vivian Cheung, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Airport Authority Hong Kong, said: “It is with great honor and anticipation that HKIA carries forward the mission and prepares for hosting Routes World in September 2025, in our beautiful city of Hong Kong. Routes World 2025 will provide unparalleled opportunities for industry professionals to come together, witness firsthand the various advancements at HKIA, and experience the unique blend of Eastern and Western cultures that define our city.”

Routes World 2025 will take place at AsiaWorld-Expo, Hong Kong, from 24-26 September 2025.