Routes Europe 2026

Rimini, Italy
• 18 – 20 May 2026

Define European air connectivity

Routes Europe 2026 will bring together a qualified audience of route development decision-makers from across the region and beyond.

Register Now About the hosts

Forge important business connections

A must attend event for those looking to connect with influential network planners and expand their route network.

Register Now View programme

A venue for accelerating business opportunities

The Palacongressi is one of Europe’s largest and most innovative, stylish, eco-friendly venues.

Register Now Find out more

Why Rimini and Emilia-Romagna Region?

Rimini is a dynamic, open, easily accessible and technologically advanced city that has been renowned as one of Europe's leading leisure tourism destinations since the 1960s.

Register Now Find out more

Conference Programme

The Routes Europe conference programme will feature senior leaders from the region's route development and aviation industries to outline the latest market insights, analyse trends and share expert advice that will inform your business strategy.

REU25 conference 2

Expect over 15 hours of CEO interviews, panel discussions, airline briefings and best practice workshops that will provide you with exclusive insight into the key air service development issues driving change within the industry.

Showcase your organisation’s innovative approach and adaptability

As a trusted source of information across the route development community, Routes 360 members are sharing their latest initiatives, innovations and efforts to position themselves as a credible leader that can adapt to industry trends and challenges. 

Book a demo  Find out more

Monday, 18 May 2026

  • -

    Opening Remarks

    Hear more about why Routes Europe 2026 is taking place in Rimini, Italy.

  • -

    Keynote Address: State of the Airport Industry

    Olivier Jankovec, Director General, ACI Europe

    This session will explore the current state of the industry in Europe and the opportunities ahead. Olivier will draw on the association’s recent traffic data showing strong resilience across European airports in 2025, with more than 100 million additional passengers welcomed over the past year. His insights will explore what this means for connectivity, capacity planning and commercial strategy as the region’s aviation industry navigates evolving demand patterns and prepares for future challenges and opportunities.

  • -

    State of the Airline Industry

    With passenger traffic continuing to grow and profitability improving, airlines are now grappling with structural constraints that will define the next phase of expansion. Consolidation is reshaping the competitive landscape across Europe, as groups pursue scale to strengthen balance sheets and protect market share. At the same time, supply chain bottlenecks and aircraft delivery delays are limiting fleet growth, while regulatory costs and sustainability requirements continue to rise. Hear how these pressures are influencing capacity deployment, network strategy and investment decisions—and what they mean for airports, airlines and policymakers seeking to ensure Europe remains globally competitive.

  • -

    Regional Airline Market Overview - European focus

  • -

    Networking Break

  • -

    CEO Keynote Interview

  • -

    Sponsor Session

  • -

    Lunch

  • -

    Panel Discussion: Overcoming Disruptions: Tackling Supply Chain Strains, Geopolitical Instability, and Workforce Challenges

    European aviation is operating in an increasingly complex environment. Aircraft delivery delays and parts shortages continue to constrain fleet growth, geopolitical tensions are reshaping airspace access and network planning, and labour availability remains uneven across key markets. This panel will examine how airlines and airports across Europe are navigating persistent supply chain pressures, managing operational disruption linked to geopolitical instability, and addressing workforce shortages in critical areas from air traffic control to ground handling. Panellists will explore the practical steps being taken to build resilience into operations, safeguard connectivity and maintain service standards—while continuing to support growth and sustainability objectives.

  • -

    Redrawing the Map: Consolidation, Alliances and the New Shape of Airline Networks

    Erik Westman, Chief Revenue Officer, SAS Scandinavian Airlines

    Airline networks across Europe are being reshaped by consolidation, deeper alliance cooperation and a renewed focus on scale and resilience. Mergers, joint ventures and equity partnerships are redefining competitive dynamics, while capacity constraints and regulatory scrutiny are influencing how and where airlines choose to grow.

    This session will explore how consolidation is altering the balance of power between legacy groups and LCCs, how alliances are evolving in response to shifting commercial realities, and what these changes mean for secondary markets and airport connectivity.

    Leaders will share first-hand insights on how consolidation is influencing network planning, partnership models and long-term growth.

  • -

    Sponsor Session

    AI services to airlines

  • -

    Networking Break

  • -

    Inside the Network Planner’s Mind

    Ever wondered why your airport lost a route? Why that “obvious” long-haul never launched? Or what really goes into choosing one city over another?

    This fast-paced, audience-led session puts four airline network planners in the hot seat. No slides, no scripts—just honest answers and real-world insight. From fleet constraints and politics to profitability, partnerships and pure gut instinct, nothing is off limits.

    Bring your toughest questions and join an open, interactive conversation that lifts the lid on how routes are really decided.

Tuesday, 19 May 2026

  • -

    CEO Keynote Interview

  • -

    Networking Break

  • -

    Panel Discussion: Transforming Long-Range Air Travel with Narrowbodies in 2026

    Aage Dünhaupt, Director Communications, TUI

    The evolution of long-range narrowbody aircraft continues to redefine air travel, enabling airlines to unlock new opportunities for long-haul routes and transform the economics of thinner markets. The Airbus A321LR and Boeing 737 MAX have already proven their ability to profitably serve city pairs with lower demand, previously inaccessible with larger widebody aircraft. Now, with the Airbus A321XLR that entered service in 2025, airlines are pushing boundaries even further, opening longer-range routes and connecting new city pairs. This panel will bring together industry leaders to discuss the strategic, economic, and operational implications of the long-haul narrowbody revolution.

  • -

    In Conversation with Aage Dünhaupt: Navigating the Future of Travel and Aviation

    Join us for an exclusive fireside chat with Aage Dünhaupt, Director of Communications at TUI, as he shares his insights into the evolving landscape of travel and aviation. From TUI’s innovative strategies to enhance customer experiences to the challenges and opportunities in sustainable tourism, Aage will provide a unique perspective on how one of the world’s leading travel companies is shaping the future.

  • -

    Lunch

  • -

    Securing Routes: Building Strong Partnerships Between Airlines, Airports, and Tourism

    Tony Griffin, Sr. Vice President Consulting, ASM

    Securing new routes has never been more competitive. As airlines take a disciplined approach to capacity deployment, airports and destinations must present compelling, data-driven cases to win investment.

    This session will explore how stronger collaboration between airlines, airports and tourism bodies is shaping successful route development strategies across Europe. From joint marketing agreements and risk-sharing models to long-term demand stimulation and performance tracking, panellists will examine what truly makes partnerships sustainable.

  • -

    Europe’s Role in Global Sustainable Aviation

    Europe has long been a leader in advancing sustainable aviation, setting ambitious goals for carbon neutrality, implementing innovative technologies, and shaping regulatory frameworks that influence the global industry. As the urgency to decarbonize aviation intensifies, Europe’s role becomes even more critical in fostering collaboration between airlines, airports, and governments to achieve meaningful progress. 

    This panel brings together key stakeholders to explore Europe’s contributions to global sustainable aviation efforts. Topics will include the integration of sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs), advancements in electric and hydrogen-powered aircraft, and strategies for reducing emissions across airline networks and airport operations. Panelists will also address the challenges of balancing environmental goals with economic growth and operational efficiency. 

Wednesday, 20 May 2026

  • -

    ASM

  • -

    Networking Break

  • -

    Airline Briefing

    Exclusive updates direct from key airline decision makers and network planners.

  • -

    Airline Briefing

    Exclusive updates direct from key airline decision makers and network planners.

  • -

    Lunch

  • -

    Airline Briefing

    Exclusive updates direct from key airline decision makers and network planners.

  • -

    Airline Briefing

    Exclusive updates direct from key airline decision makers and network planners.

* Please note like all events, the programme is subject to change.

Speakers

View All Speakers