After profiling the Airport 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 Europe 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 Europe Networking Evening on May 19 in Rimini, Italy.
More News And Analysis From Routes Europe 2026
Airline Award
Aegean Airlines
Aegean Airlines transported 17.3 million passengers in 2025 and operated a network spanning 164 destinations in 47 countries, including 132 international destinations, supported by a fleet of 88 aircraft and more than 22 million available seats planned for 2026. Since 2013, the airline has expanded from 120 destinations to 164 while strengthening Athens’ role as a regional hub and supporting connectivity across Greece and Southeast Europe. The airline worked with 37 international airports and tourism boards on more than 70 co-branded marketing initiatives in 2025. Aegean is also preparing for longer-haul expansion through the introduction of Airbus A321LR aircraft, with planned services to India from 2027.
AirBaltic
Latvia’s airBaltic operates a network of 130 routes, including more than 70 nonstop destinations from the Baltic states, while maintaining leading positions in Riga and Tallinn and the second-largest position in Vilnius. Following the closure of Russian and Ukrainian airspace, the carrier restructured its network toward Western and Southern Europe, adding new and previously unserved markets including Ljubljana, Chisinau, Batumi, Tirana and Sofia. The airline has also expanded its seasonal base strategy, including operations in Gran Canaria, Tenerife and Kuusamo, designed to balance winter demand and improve aircraft utilization. AirBaltic works with airports, tourism boards and local stakeholders, including campaigns with partners such as Go Vilnius and the Canary Islands tourism authorities.
EasyJet
EasyJet has continued expanding its European network through a data-driven growth strategy focused on primary airports, new market development and long-term airline-airport partnerships. The carrier now serves more than 160 airports across 37 countries and plans to operate more than 1,200 routes in 2026, supported by continued fleet expansion and investment in Airbus A320neo-family aircraft. Over the next several years, easyJet expects to add 39 aircraft and increase average aircraft gauge, supporting growth in increasingly capacity-constrained markets while improving fuel efficiency and reducing noise emissions. Recent network expansion has included new markets such as Cape Verde, Tbilisi and Tromsø.
Jet2.com
Jet2.com has continued expanding its leisure network through sustained capacity growth, new UK base development and close collaboration with airports and tourism partners. The airline now operates more than 650 routes from 14 UK bases to over 80 destinations, boosted by new bases at Bournemouth and London Gatwick. Summer 2026 capacity exceeds 19.5 million seats, up 7.5% year-on-year, supported by a fleet of 139 aircraft, including continued expansion of Airbus A321neo operations. Jet2.com works closely with airports, tourism organizations and hotel partners on route planning, destination marketing and season extension strategies, particularly across leisure markets in Greece, Spain and Turkey.
Wizz Air
Wizz Air now serves 185 destinations across 45 countries through more than 1,000 routes, supported by a fleet of more than 260 aircraft and 40 operational bases. Since 2025, the carrier has opened 10 new bases, including Palermo, Torino, Bratislava and Warsaw-Modlin, while launching more than 300 new routes. Italy remains its largest market, where capacity is growing nearly 36% year-on-year to 31.6 million seats, followed by Poland, where capacity will be more than 20 million seats this year. The airline continues to work closely with airports and tourism partners on route planning, demand stimulation and market development, supported by rapid deployment capability and targeted marketing campaigns across Europe.
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