The upcoming Routes Asia 2026 conference will gather vice presidents and network planning leaders from over 115 of Asia’s top airlines, engaging in more than 2,500 meetings with airport and destination partners to explore new route opportunities. Airlines such as Air China, Air Premia, British Airways, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, IndiGo, Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, and Virgin Australia are expected to attend. The event will feature discussions led by industry experts, including the Director General of ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East, Stefano Baronci, and representatives from Spring Airlines and VietJet.
Hosted by China West Airport Group, which manages 18 airports across Shaanxi, Ningxia, and Qinghai provinces, the event highlights Xi’an's strategic importance as a major international aviation hub. The city’s long history, cultural significance, and ongoing infrastructure expansions—such as the multiyear development of Xi’an Xianyang International Airport—underscore its role in the Belt and Road Initiative. The airport’s capacity, now increased to handle 80 million passengers annually, will further expand through additional runways and terminals.
Growth and Infrastructure Development
Steven Small, Director of Routes, emphasized Xi’an’s unique appeal, noting the city’s historical significance and its rapidly growing aviation market. The China West Airport Group’s chairman, Yang Ou, outlined plans for continued infrastructure upgrades, including the new third runway and the future capacity to handle 83 million passengers and one million tons of cargo per year. The event aims to facilitate collaboration among airlines and civil aviation stakeholders to enhance regional connectivity and economic development, positioning Xi’an as a key hub in China's aviation network.
