Welcome introduction from Routes. Hear what you can expect over the course of the event.
Routes Europe 2026
Rimini, Italy
• 18 – 20 May 2026
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.
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.
Monday, 18 May 2026
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Opening Remarks
Hear more about why Routes Europe 2026 is taking place in Rimini, Italy.
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Keynote Address:
European connectivity and Europe as a destination
Ourania Georgoutsakou, Managing Director, Airlines for Europe (A4E)
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Regional Airline Market Overview - European focus
Montserrat Barriga, Director General, European Regions Airline Association (ERA)
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Networking Break
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Keynote Interview
Wizz Air
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Lunch
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Panel Discussion: European Aviation Amid Conflict, Constraints and Complexity
European aviation is operating in an increasingly complex and volatile environment. The war in Iran, alongside ongoing tensions restricting airspace over Russia, is reshaping global traffic flows and disrupting key connecting corridors between Europe and Asia. The reduction in Gulf hub connectivity, longer routings and heightened security risks are adding new layers of operational and commercial complexity for airlines and airports alike.
At the same time, aircraft delivery delays and parts shortages continue to constrain fleet growth, while labour availability remains uneven across critical areas such as air traffic control and ground handling.
This panel will examine how European stakeholders are responding—managing disruption, adapting network strategies and maintaining operational resilience in the face of sustained geopolitical uncertainty.
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Redrawing the Map: Consolidation, Alliances and the New Shape of Airline Networks
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.
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Europe’s aviation sector is operating in an increasingly complex environment. While demand remains relatively resilient, airlines are facing growing pressure on profitability as rising costs—from fuel to regulatory compliance—outpace revenue growth. At the same time, geopolitical tensions are creating uncertainty around demand patterns and disrupting global supply chains.
Structural constraints are also intensifying. Limited slot availability at key airports continues to restrict growth, while aircraft delivery delays and supply chain challenges are slowing fleet expansion. Meanwhile, evolving passenger rights regulations are adding operational complexity and financial exposure.
Against this backdrop, maintaining passenger trust is becoming ever more critical, particularly as disruption and cost pressures persist across the system.
This session will explore how these factors are shaping airline strategy, from capacity deployment and network planning to investment decisions. It will also examine how industry stakeholders can work together to ensure Europe remains competitive, while balancing growth, profitability and passenger expectations.
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Networking Break
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The State of European Aviation:
Navigating Cost, Capacity and Complexity
Europe’s aviation sector is facing a convergence of challenges that will shape its trajectory for the rest of the decade. From volatile fuel prices and concerns over supply security, to operational disruption linked to new border control systems, the industry is navigating an increasingly complex landscape. At the same time, pressure is mounting around sustainability targets, with airlines calling for greater realism on SAF mandates, while policymakers push ahead with decarbonisation goals.
Against this backdrop, questions around competitiveness, infrastructure investment and airspace modernisation are also rising up the agenda. In this high-level panel, leaders from across Europe’s aviation ecosystem will come together to discuss the state of the market. The session will explore how the industry is responding to geopolitical uncertainty, regulatory pressure and operational disruption, and what lies ahead for connectivity, growth and resilience across the region.
Tuesday, 19 May 2026
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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.
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Networking Break
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Next-Generation Aircraft: Redefining Route Economics in Europe
Advances in aircraft technology are transforming the economics of route development across Europe. New‑generation narrowbodies and widebodies—featuring extended range, lower fuel burn and improved operating efficiency—are enabling airlines to launch routes that were previously unviable. These aircraft are supporting direct connectivity between secondary and tertiary European cities, reducing reliance on traditional hubs and strengthening point‑to‑point networks within Europe and to long‑thin intercontinental markets.
This session will explore how European airlines are deploying next‑generation fleets to open new city pairs, increase frequency on thinner routes and respond more dynamically to seasonal and shifting demand. It will also examine the implications for airports and destinations, highlighting how they can position themselves to attract new routes, support sustainable growth and maximise the opportunity created by evolving aircraft capabilities.
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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.
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Lunch
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Securing Routes: Building Strong Partnerships Between Airlines, Airports, and Destinations
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.
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Intermodality, Sustainability, and Tourism
Europe has long been a leader in advancing sustainable aviation, and the integration of intermodality, tourism, and events is becoming increasingly critical to achieving carbon neutrality and fostering economic growth.
This session will explore how innovative transport systems, high-profile events, and tourism strategies are driving sustainability across the aviation sector.
The discussion will focus on the role of intermodal transport systems in reducing emissions and enhancing connectivity, while also examining how tourism and events, such as Emilia-Romagna’s Motor Valley circuits, contribute to sustainable aviation goals.
Collaborative efforts between regional governments, airports, and tourism boards to create integrated travel solutions will be highlighted, alongside the challenges of balancing environmental goals with economic growth and operational efficiency.
Wednesday, 20 May 2026
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Exclusive updates direct from key airline decision makers and network planners.
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Exclusive updates direct from key airline decision makers and network planners.
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Lunch
* Please note like all events, the programme is subject to change.
Speakers
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Ian Malin
Chief Commercial Officer, Wizz Air -
Patricia Cortada
SVP Airport Affairs - EMEA & AsiaPac, International Airlines Group (IAG) -
Bojan Aranđelović
Head of Network Planning and Scheduling, Air Serbia -
Andreas Åkerman
Senior Manager Network Strategy, SAS Scandinavian Airlines -
David Stroud
Managing Director Strategy and Consulting, ASM -
Elizabeth Axtelius
Director Aviation Business, Swedavia Airports