Routes Asia 2026, highly anticipated in the global civil aviation industry, kicked off on April 14 and will run through April 16 in Xi'an. Representatives from the global civil aviation, tourism, and related industries gathered to build a high-level, in-depth platform for cooperation and exchange.

Founded by Informa in 2003, Routes Asia has, over more than 20 years of development, been held in major cities around the world, including Seoul, Chengdu, and Perth. It has become an important bridge for advancing the layout of air route networks in Asia and globally, promoting the integration of the aviation and tourism industries, and driving growth in the aviation economy.

The Xi'an Xianyang International Airport. [Photo/Xi'an Release]

The event will feature thematic parallel sessions on aviation-tourism integration and investment cooperation, layout and development of international aviation hubs, and airport economic development. It will also include a range of activities such as exhibitions, one-on-one air route negotiations, and city tours.

As the centerpiece of the event, the exhibitions will showcase the development of civil aviation, tourism, culture, and the economy in the Asia–Pacific region. They will foster multi-party exchange and cooperation and promote the continued growth of the civil aviation industry.

The one-on-one air route negotiations provide face-to-face negotiation opportunities for participating delegates, enabling both supply and demand parties to focus on the core of cooperation and conduct in-depth consultations. These negotiations promote the deep integration and mutual empowerment of route networks with high-quality cultural and tourism resources, as well as key industrial resources, thereby stimulating new momentum and vitality for the integrated development of aviation and tourism.

City tours serve as an extension of the event, allowing delegates to experience Xi'an's rich cultural and tourism resources, high-quality living environment, modern high-tech industries, and broad prospects for aviation economic development. This will further deepen communication and mutual understanding among participants and promote the implementation of more cooperation projects in aviation, tourism, and related industries in Xi'an.

Delegates visit the airport. [Photo provided to en.xa.gov.cn]

A series of cooperation agreements will be signed at the conference, injecting strong momentum into the development of Xi'an as an international aviation hub.

In addition, Xi'an Xianyang International Airport, China Eastern Airlines, and AirAsia will deliver keynote speeches and engage in in-depth discussions on the planning and development of international aviation hubs. They will share practical experience and strategic insights on route network optimization, enhancing hub operational efficiency, and promoting the coordinated development of low-cost airlines and aviation hubs.

As the starting point of the Silk Road and a key hub of the Belt and Road Initiative, Xi'an enjoys distinct geographical advantages, abundant and diverse tourism resources, and continuously improving aviation infrastructure.

Hosting of Routes Asia 2026 affirms Xi'an's comprehensive urban strength and international influence, marking a crucial step in integrating the city into the global air route network and advancing the implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative.