After profiling the finalists for the Under 5 Million, 5-20 Million and Over 20 Million airport categories, as well as the Destination Award, today we focus on the shortlists for the Airline Award.
The Airline Award, which has been reviewed and scored by a panel of editorial judges, focuses on the importance of partnership in achieving successful and profitable routes.
The Routes Asia 2026 Awards celebrate the destinations and airports driving air service growth across the region, recognizing standout route development partnerships and marketing initiatives.
Winners will be announced at the Routes Asia Networking Evening on April 15 in Xi’an, China.
More News And Analysis From Routes Asia 2026
Airline Award
Cathay Pacific Airways
Cathay Pacific continued rebuilding and expanding its global network in 2025, with the Cathay Group, including HK Express, serving more than 100 destinations worldwide. During the year, the airline launched 20 new routes, including Urumqi and Munich, and announced further expansion with Seattle returning in March 2026. The airline also increased frequencies to key markets across North America, mainland China and Australia, operating its highest number of weekly frequencies to Australia during the northern winter season. The Cathay Group has committed more than HK$100 billion in investments, including fleet renewal with more than 100 new-generation aircraft, new cabin products and digital and sustainability initiatives.
IndiGo
IndiGo continued its rapid network expansion and fleet growth in 2025, carrying more than 120 million passengers and operating about 2,200 daily flights across a network of 140 destinations, supported by more than 80 codeshare destinations with partner airlines. The airline expanded both domestic and international connectivity, serving 96 domestic destinations and 44 international destinations. The LCC also continues long-term fleet expansion with an orderbook of about 900 aircraft, including Airbus A321XLR and A350 aircraft to support mid-haul and long-haul international expansion. IndiGo works closely with airports and tourism partners on route development, including partnerships with airports in Malaysia, Ras Al Khaimah, Manchester, Athens and Reunion Island to support new route launches.
Jetstar Airways
Jetstar Airways expanded its Asia-Pacific network between 2024 and 2026 with more than 30 new domestic and international routes. Network growth has been driven by the introduction of Airbus A321LR and A320neo aircraft, which deliver up to 20% lower fuel burn per seat and enable longer narrowbody routes linking secondary Australian and New Zealand cities with Asian destinations. New and expanded routes included services from Perth to Bangkok, Phuket and Manila; Brisbane to Osaka and Seoul; Melbourne to Colombo; and new Bali services from Gold Coast, Avalon, Sunshine Coast and Newcastle. Jetstar worked closely with airport and tourism partners across Australia and New Zealand to launch the services.
Qantas Airways
Qantas grew and reshaped its network following the post-pandemic recovery, adding more than 40 new domestic routes, 14 new domestic ports, 25 new international routes and 12 new international destinations. The airline also plans to launch three additional international routes in 2026, including the first scheduled service between Australia and Las Vegas. Qantas has focused on increasing frequency and connectivity across its network, particularly across the Southwest Pacific region, where capacity to the Tasman and Pacific Islands has increased 120% since COVID, more than offsetting lost capacity from other carriers. New aircraft technology is also enabling further long-haul and ultra-long-haul expansion.
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