HONG KONG has been confirmed as the host cities for an event that unites decision makers from airlines, airports, and travel destinations worldwide.
The 30th edition of Routes World is scheduled to take place at AsiaWorld-Expo, September 24-26, 2025, when the Three-runway System (3RS) at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) is expected to be fully operational.
Some 3,000 industry executives, heads of air-network planning and other participants from more than 260 of the world’s leading airlines and fastest-growing airlines are set to attend.
Construction on the new Sky City at HKIA will by then be on track to link AsiaWorld-Expo through and the airport’s cargo-logistics hub to the port section of the Hong Kong to Zhuhai and Macau Bridge. The project will feature a conference venue, art gallery, shops and restaurants to serve the number of increased flights expected with the third runway.
Independent analysis has shown that the total economic impact of a typical Routes World event can exceed more than US$590 million. This has been credited to new air services secured due to the profile from hosting the event.
Vivian Cheung, chief operating officer of Airport Authority Hong Kong, said: “Routes World is a prestigious international event which will bring together over 3,000 industry leaders representing airports, airlines and other key stakeholders. This aligns perfectly with our commitment to strengthening Hong Kong’s position as an international aviation hub, connecting people in this world-class metropolis that embraces business opportunities, cultural diversity and social vibrancy.
“We look forward to welcoming our guests from around the globe to visit and explore Hong Kong, and we hope that through this event, more routes can be opened connecting our city with more destinations.”
Routes World is a prestigious international event which will bring together over 3,000 industry leaders representing airports, airlines and other key stakeholders
– Vivian Cheung, COO, Airport Authority of Hong Kong
HKIA has seen strong passenger growth in 2024. In March, the airport handled 4.36 million passengers and 29,840 flight movements, representing year-on-year increases of 56.7 per cent and 48.2 per cent, respectively.
HKIA has a long-term strategy of attracting airlines to open new destinations and leveraging the market potential of the Greater Bay Area and access to mainland China for travellers and cargo logistics. Following the full completion of the 3RS, the airport will have more slots, allowing new markets such as the Belt and Road Initiative countries and the Middle East to connect to Hong Kong.
More… Air-cargo, logistics events taking off in HK
Steven Small, director of Routes, said: “The application process to host Routes World 2025 was incredibly competitive. We are delighted to announce that we will be uniting the global route development community in Hong Kong for our 30th edition of the event.”
“Half of the world’s population lives within a five-hour flight of Hong Kong International Airport. With decision makers from over 130 countries expected to attend, Hong Kong will showcase the significant infrastructure developments to the people who decide where the world’s aircraft fly.”
