AIRPORT chiefs in Bahrain have handed over the task of hosting Routes World to their counterparts in Hong Kong.
The event that gathers decision makers from airlines, airports and destinations to define the world’s air route networks, is heading to AsiaWorld-Expo in September 2025.
As the 2024 edition of the event drew to a close, Bahrain International Airport handed over the hosting responsibilities to Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), to next year’s event with support from Hong Kong Tourism Board.
The Routes World 2025 conference and exhibition, which is expected to welcome more than 3,000 delegates, will come as the new Airport City takes shape at HKIA, establishing the complex as a stronger regional passenger and logistics hub in the Greater Bay Area and internationally. Airport City will also serve increased passenger and cargo traffic expected when a third runway is built.
“With half the world’s population within a five-hour flight, Hong Kong is where East-meets-West,” Steven Small, director of Routes, said during the handover ceremony in Bahrain.
“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,” Small said.
Backgrounder… Hong Kong Lands Routes World 2025
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 per cent and 26.1 per cent, respectively. Infrastructure investments is also set to see the airport handle over 120 million passengers annually by 2035.
More than 120 airlines connect HKIA to some 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.
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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.”
Routes World 2025 is scheduled to be held at AsiaWorld-Expo September 24-26, 2025.
Main image: Vivian Cheung, acting-CEO of Airport Authority Hong Kong (centre), at the handover ceremony with officials from Routes World and Bahrain International Airport… Photo by Ocean Driven Media
