Routes World heads for Hong Kong
Above: The Routes World 2024 handover ceremony.
Courtesy Routes | Informa Group Ltd / Credit: Ocean Driven Media
With the conclusion of Routes World 2024 at Bahrain International Airport, the hosting responsibilities of the event were handed over to Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), who will be hosting next year’s event with support from Hong Kong Tourism Board.
Routes World 2024 (the 29th edition) held from 6th-8th October 2024, was hosted by Bahrain International Airport, managed and operated by Bahrain Airport Company (BAC), in collaboration with Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) and the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) and attracted over 2,400 aviation professionals and industry leaders representing 230 airlines and 530 airports worldwide.
HKIA has witnessed strong passenger growth in 2024. In August, the hub handled 4.92 million passengers and 31,605 flight movements, representing year-on-year increases of 23.0% and 26.1%, respectively. Significant infrastructure investments will see the airport handle over 120 million passengers annually by 2035.
HKIA - which is transforming into an Airport City - is one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs, boasting an extensive global network. Over 120 airlines connect HKIA to approximately 220 destinations worldwide, including around 50 destinations in Mainland China. Since 2010, HKIA has also held the title of being the world’s busiest cargo airport.
Routes World has made a genuine impact on the world's air services, consistently bringing together the global route development community on an international platform: over half of the world's new routes are connected to meetings at the event.
Taking place at AsiaWorld-Expo, Hong Kong, from 24th-26th September 2025, Routes World 2025 is expected to attract VPs and Heads of Network Planning from 260 carriers.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Steven Small, Director of Routes, said: “With half the world’s population within a five-hour flight, Hong Kong is where East-meets-West. To strengthen Hong Kong’s status as an international aviation hub and to cater for the city’s long-term air traffic demand, Hong Kong International Airport is developing into a three-runway system which is due to be completed at the end of this year. Routes World 2025 will be the perfect platform for HKIA to showcase this investment.”
Vivian Cheung, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Airport Authority Hong Kong, said: “It is with great honour and anticipation that HKIA carries forward the mission and prepares for hosting Routes World in September 2025, in our beautiful city of Hong Kong. Routes World 2025 will provide unparalleled opportunities for industry professionals to come together, witness firsthand the various advancements at HKIA and experience the unique blend of Eastern and Western cultures that define our city.”
