Routes World 2025 has opened at AsiaWorld-Expo with airline and airport executives from over 130 countries gathering to discuss global route networks.
Organisers expect over half of new global routes to link to meetings here.
The event runs from 24 to 26 September and draws more than 3,000 delegates including 260 carriers.
Organisers confirmed the venue opened on schedule on 24 September after Typhoon Yagi moved away from the region. Hamad International Airport attended the opening day with a stand in Hall 5 to connect with partners. Cardiff Airport representatives joined the conference to promote Welsh connectivity. Mavi Gök Havacılık set up at stand A115 to explore opportunities. The Zimbabwe Consulate participated to promote aviation services.
Viracopos Airport from Brazil sought new routes and partnerships. Italiavola reported the conference launch with Italian focus. The Routes World Awards ceremony occurs tonight at the Networking Evening where winners in nine categories receive recognition.
Finalists in the Rising Star and Individual Leadership categories include Daria Sergeeva from Wizz Air and Anindya Acharya from GMR Hyderabad International Airport. The conference programme features sessions on route development strategies and sustainability. Hong Kong International Airport hosts the event as part of its three-runway system completion at the end of 2025.
Cathay Pacific serves as official carrier and the Hong Kong Tourism Board provides support. The event connects East and West with half the world’s population within a five-hour flight of the venue.
The conference programme on 25 September includes sessions on route development and sustainability, running from 09:30 to 17:20 at the Keynote Theatre, with networking breaks in the Exhibition Hall.
A networking lunch, sponsored by Haikou Municipal Bureau of Tourism, Culture, Radio, Television and Sports, takes place from 12:05 to 13:55, fostering connections among aviation professionals.
The Routes World Awards ceremony, recognising achievements in nine categories, occurs during the Networking Evening on 25 September from 19:00 to 23:00 in Hall 2.
On 26 September, the event concludes with a handover ceremony for Routes World 2026 from 12:40 to 13:00, alongside final meetings and networking sessions until 17:30.
Steven Small, Routes World organiser, shared: “Routes World 2025 brings together the global aviation community to shape the future of air connectivity, with Hong Kong’s strategic location enabling critical discussions.”
David Casey, Routes World content lead, shared: “The conference programme addresses pressing issues like sustainability and route expansion, driving innovation in aviation.”
Fred Lam, Hong Kong International Airport CEO, shared: “Hosting Routes World aligns with our three-runway system completion, positioning Hong Kong as a global aviation hub.”
