Riyadh Prepares to Host Routes World 2026
Riyadh has officially been selected as the host city for Routes World 2026, one of the most influential global events in aviation route development. Organized annually, Routes World brings together senior executives from airlines, airports, and tourism authorities to discuss and shape the future of global air connectivity.
The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) will lead the organization of the 2026 edition, in partnership with the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) as the tourism partner, the Air Connectivity Program (ACP) as the air connectivity partner, and Matarat Holding as the airport partner. This strong collaboration demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s determination to strengthen its aviation ecosystem and achieve the ambitious objectives of Vision 2030.
Industry experts highlight that hosting Routes World will not only position Riyadh as a hub for international aviation but also accelerate the Kingdom’s efforts to diversify its economy through tourism and transport. More than 8,000 meetings are expected to take place during the event, offering opportunities for airlines and airports to forge new partnerships, open new routes, and expand their networks.
The decision reflects Saudi Arabia’s record-breaking growth in aviation. In 2024 alone, the country’s airports welcomed over 128 million passengers, a 15% increase compared to the previous year. This momentum underscores the Kingdom’s role as a rising global aviation and tourism hub.
With Routes World 2026, Riyadh is set to showcase not only its growing infrastructure and world-class facilities but also its commitment to building a sustainable and connected future for global air transport.
