Routes World 2024

Airline execs at Routes World in Bahrain agreed lack of available capacity because of aircraft and engine supply issues remains a major challenge.

Listen in as editors share what CEOs were talking about at Routes World 2024 in Bahrain.

Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board CEO Joy Jibrilu shares plans to grow international airlift, particularly in Latin America, while balancing sustainable tourism with cultural preservation.

Night curfews, slow turnarounds and slot-limited growth are among the operational factors to deter airlines from launching new routes, according to airline panelists at Routes World.

Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region—the destination for Routes Europe 2026—is focused on ambitious tourism goals and strategies as it builds on a successful 2023.

Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad is poised for continued growth in air travel, having surpassed pre-pandemic levels with 73 airlines operating in Malaysia.

Gulf Air will announce a significant new aircraft order “soon” as the airline looks to expand and modernize its fleet.

Scotland is strategically targeting North America and high-yield travelers from China, the Middle East and India to further drive tourism growth.

South Africa is set to see further growth in tourism as it aims to surpass pre-COVID arrival levels, with significant air capacity developments on the horizon.

Oman Airports is targeting expansion in the CIS region and further growth of frequencies and destinations in Europe as part of efforts to enhance connectivity.

Etihad Airways is planning to announce significant network expansion over the coming months as it prepares to take delivery of its first Airbus A321LR.

Speaking at Routes World, Justin Erbacci said that while passenger traffic is set to exceed 2019 levels this year, airports continue to face financial pressures.

Singapore's Changi Airport Group is ramping up efforts to expand its international network, setting its sights on emerging markets in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East as part of its growth strategy.

Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport is accelerating the construction of Terminal 3B and a fourth runway, set to be operational in the first quarter of 2025.

Václav Havel Airport Prague is setting its sights on expanding its long-haul connectivity, particularly to key markets in the US, China, and South Korea.

Oman Air has revealed plans to launch its first new route in five years, marking the start of a strategy to maximize the utilization of its narrowbody fleet.

Air Arabia expects Airbus A320neo deliveries now in the second half of 2025, followed by A321XLRs from 2027.

Plans are progressing to develop Riyadh’s King Salman International Airport (KSIA), which will be among the biggest in the world when it opens in 2030.

Swedavia is continuing to see growth in international traffic, with the removal of the country’s aviation tax from next July set to further boost its appeal.

Strong inbound tourism demand to Japan is fueling network and passenger growth at Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT).

Brazil's tourism sector is experiencing robust growth, with a focus on attracting visitors from key international markets such as the U.S., China and Germany.

The Routes World Awards will honour the outstanding achievements of our industry in advancing global air connectivity.

Saudi Arabian startup Riyadh Air is well advanced with its air operator certificate (AOC), and is planning to detail its initial routes in early 2025.

Saudi Arabian LCC Flyadeal, which currently operates a single wet-leased Airbus A330, is planning to order A330s or Boeing 787s by the end of 2024.

Gulf Air CEO Jeffrey Goh has been working on a wide-ranging network review during his first nine months, which will result in unprofitable routes being cut.