Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) has been named the Overall Winner at the Routes World Awards 2026, while also winning the Over 30 Million passenger category.
The airport was honored at the ceremony held on Oct. 22 during Routes World 2026 in Frankfurt, which celebrated the outstanding achievements of airports, airlines, destinations and individuals in advancing global air connectivity.
Rome Fiumicino handled a record 51.3 million passengers in 2025, up 4%, including 10.8 million long-haul travelers. Its 2026 network development program included more than 40 new routes, over 15 new destinations and four new airlines. North American connectivity reached 22 airports, including Seattle with Alaska Airlines and Houston with ITA Airways.
“We are proud to receive the Routes World Award,” Federico Scriboni, Aeroporti di Roma (ADR)'s director of aviation business development, said. “This recognition is a powerful endorsement of our partners’ trust in the impact and effectiveness of our initiatives at Rome FCO. Above all, it underscores the strength of ADR’s long-term vision, driving sustainable aviation growth through a strategy built on solid, high-value pillars.”
The Under 5 Million passenger category was won by Shannon Airport (SNN), Ireland, which recorded a 12% increase in passengers during the first half of 2026 and forecast full-year traffic 50% above 2019 levels. Its network reached 40 services, the highest total in 17 years, with five new routes and frequency increases across 12 routes secured for 2026. Air Canada’s Toronto service was secured for summer 2027, while Ryanair expanded to four based aircraft in 2025.
“This year has been very successful, but already we can see that 2027 and beyond will be even better as we continue to grow our business,” Declan Power, Shannon Airport's head of aviation development, said.
The winner of the 5-10 Million passenger award was Cagliari Airport (CAG), Italy. Network expansion has included 12 new scheduled routes for summer 2026 and four for winter 2026-27, alongside frequency increases on 45 existing routes. Winter seat capacity was expected to reach approximately 2.2 million as the airport focused on reducing seasonality.
David Crognaletti, Cagliari Airport's chief commercial officer, said: “What makes this recognition especially meaningful is that the shortlist was determined by airlines, the partners we work with every day. It is a testament to the value of listening, building long-term relationships and delivering on our commitments.”
Edinburgh Airport (EDI), Scotland, won the 10-17.5 Million category. The airport handled almost 17 million passengers in 2025 and added 25 routes during the year, with a further 13 starting in 2026. North American services increased from six in April 2025 to 11 in April 2026, with capacity rising 47% and average load factor reaching 84%.
“Edinburgh’s growth is a shared success,” Lynsey Burns, Edinburgh Airport's head of aviation, said. “We work closely with our airline partners to identify opportunities, build demand and make routes successful, and that partnership approach has been central to the sustained growth we’ve delivered.”
Winner of the 17.5-30 Million category was Brussels Airport (BRU), Belgium. Across 2025 and 2026, it secured nine new airlines and 19 new destinations, including Atlanta, Hong Kong and Sao Paulo. Its China network expanded to six cities with the addition of Chongqing and Chengdu.
Léon Verhallen, director of aviation development at Brussels Airport, said: “This award is clear evidence of the success of Brussels Airport in one of the most competitive catchment areas in Europe and above all a recognition of our excellent teamwork.”
The Destination award was won by the Moroccan National Tourist Office. Morocco welcomed nearly 20 million visitors in 2025, with arrivals increasing a further 7% through May 2026. The office helped develop transatlantic connectivity, including Delta Air Lines’ Atlanta-Marrakech service, launched in October 2025.
“This recognition belongs to the entire Morocco tourism ecosystem and to our airline partners,” Hicham Bellaziz, Moroccan National Tourist Office's chief commercial officer, said. “Together, we have transformed connectivity into sustainable demand, profitable routes and shared growth, opening Morocco to the world while bringing the diversity of our destinations closer to travelers.”
Transavia won the Airline award after retaining all 14 routes launched over the past two years, supported by airport and destination partnerships aimed at stimulating demand in a capacity-constrained market. The carrier ran 19 joint marketing campaigns in 2026, including initiatives with Morocco and Trieste that generated more than 12 million verified consumer contacts.
Remon Essers-Aliende Moscoso, manager of network planning at Transavia, said: “This belongs to the airports, destinations and colleagues who build connectivity with us. Together, we have shown that growth can be commercially disciplined, more efficient and resilient, while continuing to serve passengers and regions when circumstances are difficult.”
New for 2026, the Route of the Year category was named Singapore-Vienna, operated by Scoot. The airline launched the service in June 2025, restoring nonstop connectivity between Austria and Singapore after an 18-year absence. Average load factors exceeded 90%, supporting an increase from 3X-weekly to 4X-weekly services in late June 2026. Singapore-Vienna O&D traffic grew 66% year over year in the 12 months through June 2026, with the nonstop capturing 43% of the market.
In the Rising Star category, which recognizes the potential of individuals who are in the early stages of their career, Edinburgh Airport's aviation development manager Will Green was named the winner. He has progressed from analyst to managing 16 airline partners in 3.5 years. Since 2024, capacity across his portfolio has increased 19% with 22 route launches, while he has helped secure five new airlines.
“I’m absolutely delighted to receive this award,” he said. “I’ve been really fortunate to work with some brilliant people at Edinburgh Airport and across the aviation industry who have given me opportunities, challenged me and helped me develop.”
Lastly, the Individual Leadership award, which celebrates the lifetime achievements of an individual within the route development community, was won by Peggy Croes, senior vice president of aviation market development at Curacao Airport Partners NV.
She has spent more than two decades developing airline networks in Aruba and Curacao, establishing Aruba Airport Authority’s air service development department in 2004 and helping Curacao International Airport (CUR) diversify its network through partnerships with carriers including JetBlue, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Azul and LATAM.
“In reflecting back on my amazing journey, I am so grateful to get to do what I am passionate about every day,” Croes said. “To be part of an industry that supports each other and works together even as competitors is quite unique. I am in awe of the company I keep and more so, the lifelong friendships I have made.”
The Airport and Destination categories were reviewed and scored by a panel of airline judges. The Individual Leadership, Rising Star, Route of the Year and Airline categories were reviewed and scored by a panel of editorial judges.
Now in its 31st year, Routes World brings together airline, airport and destination decision-makers to define the world’s route networks.
Full list of the Routes World Awards 2026 winners:
Overall Winner: Rome Fiumicino Airport
Under 5 Million: Shannon Airport
5-10 Million: Cagliari Airport
10-17.5 Million: Edinburgh Airport
17.5-30 Million: Brussels Airport
Over 30 Million: Rome Fiumicino Airport
Destination: Moroccan National Tourist Office
Airline: Transavia
Route of the Year: Singapore-Vienna, operated by Scoot
Rising Star: Will Green, Edinburgh Airport
Individual Leadership: Peggy Croes, Curacao Airport Partners NV
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