Routes Europe 2026

Prague Airport (PRG) welcomed more than 17.7 million passengers in 2025, an 8.5% year-on-year increase. The airport’s success has been driven by significant network development, particularly across the long-haul sector, helping secure its position as the Overall Winner at the Routes Europe 2026 Awards.

Jet2.com was named Airline Winner at the Routes Europe 2026 Awards for the third consecutive year.

The airport was named the winner of the Over 20 Million Passengers category at the Routes Europe Awards.

With a wave of new airport infrastructure Greenland is positioning itself for a step change in global air connectivity.

Newcastle International Airport says connecting demand to hub airports is one of the biggest unserved opportunities in the UK, if not across Western Europe.

TUI Group says its growing 737 MAX fleet is improving the viability of longer leisure routes as it pursues growth through fleet renewal and loyalty initiatives.

Icelandair accelerates Boeing 757 retirement due to fuel costs while expanding A321LR operations.

Italian carrier Aeroitalia is preparing for international expansion in 2027 as it takes delivery of a new Boeing 737-8 aircraft.

Three airlines—Iberia, Vueling and Wizz Air—have outlined what they want from airport meetings at Routes events.

Seasonal swings in travel demand are forcing airlines, airports and tourism authorities to work more closely to grow traffic outside peak summer periods.

Airlines and airports are beginning to factor climate resilience more directly into network planning and growth strategies.

European airlines are slowing network and capacity planning as high costs and geopolitical uncertainty undermine visibility for the upcoming winter season.

Genova City Airport (GOA) is pursuing deeper integration with Italy’s cruise sector after recording its highest-ever passenger traffic.

European aviation is operating in an increasingly volatile and unpredictable environment, as geopolitical instability and rising costs shape network strategy.

Lithuanian Airports is targeting further expansion across Europe and the Middle East as it looks to build on record passenger growth.

Routes Europe hosting responsibilities have been handed to Fraport TAV Antalya Airport.

Bilbao Airport is accelerating its international expansion strategy after surpassing 7 million annual passengers for the first time.

Tallinn Airport is targeting further network expansion across Europe and the Middle East as it prepares for another year of passenger growth despite mounting geopolitical and cost pressures.

Rimini, Italy—Prague Airport (PRG) has been named the Overall Winner at the Routes Europe 2026 Awards, while also triumphing in the 5-20 Million Passengers category.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is helping airlines process network planning decisions faster, but route strategy still depends heavily on human instinct

SAS is considering taking more Airbus A321LRs, while Aegean Airlines, Icelandair and TUI are preparing to receive first-of-a-kind narrowbodies.

Georgia is pushing ahead with plans to grow its role as a crossroads for air travel between Europe and Asia.

Münster/Osnabrück Airport representatives explore core growth markets at Routes Europe 2026.

Wizz Air no longer has a business case for its Airbus A321XLRs so they are now being deployed as standard Neos, the airline's CCO told delegates at Routes Europe.

After profiling the finalists for airport and destination awards, today we focus on the shortlists for the Airline Award.