Routes Asia 2026 opens in Xi'an

In the auspicious Year of the Horse, as blossoms bloom across Xi'an, historically known as Chang'an, Routes Asia 2026 is taking place in Xi'an from April 14 to 16.

Under the theme "Gathering in Xi'an for a Shared Future", the event unites representatives from the global civil aviation sector, the tourism industry, and related fields, serving as a high-level platform for cooperation and exchange. It supports Xi'an's integration into the Belt and Road Initiative, expanding high-standard openness, and enhancing its international influence.

Widely regarded as the "Asian Games" of the civil aviation industry, Routes Asia has been held in countries such as Malaysia, Thailand, India, Australia, and the Republic of Korea since its launch in 2003. In China, cities such as Haikou, Macao, Chengdu, and Kunming have also hosted the event.

Over the years, it has become an important bridge for advancing aviation network development across Asia and beyond, promoting the integration of aviation and tourism, and supporting the growth of the aviation economy.

According to reports, this year's event has attracted 92 airlines, 128 airport management organizations, and more than 32 government and tourism bodies from 52 countries and regions. Among them, 77 airlines, 80 airport management organizations, and eight government and tourism bodies are from 28 Asian countries and regions, including China.

Guided by principles of efficiency and pragmatism, green development, openness, innovation, and service-oriented development, the program features themed sessions on aviation tourism integration and investment cooperation, aviation hub development, and airport economy growth.

A range of supporting activities, including exhibitions, one-to-one business meetings, and city visits, are also being held to showcase Xi'an's strengths in aviation hub development, airport economy expansion, and cultural and tourism resources. Together, these efforts offer global aviation partners a valuable opportunity to explore Xi'an and expand cooperation.

In recent years, Xi'an has leveraged its international aviation hub development to optimize its route network, strengthen connectivity, and promote integrated and high-quality growth in aviation, tourism, and the airport economy.

Xi'an Xianyang International Airport has opened 62 international (and regional) passenger routes, and led in connecting to eight cities across the five Central Asian countries, further consolidating its westward connectivity. Domestically, it serves 168 destinations, consistently ranking third nationwide in overall connectivity. The share of transfer passengers has risen to 14 percent, bolstering its reputation as "China's Best Transit Airport".

In 2025, the airport handled 48.536 million passenger trips, including 1.993 million international passengers. Cargo and mail throughput reached 335,000 tons, while the airport economy exceeded 46.5 billion yuan (about $6.5 billion). Peak-hour capacity expanded to 61 aircraft movements per hour.

These developments have created a more convenient and efficient aerial corridor for economic and trade exchanges as well as cultural interaction among countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative, injecting fresh momentum into Shaanxi's development and supporting its ambition to serve as a model for western China.

"I believe that choosing Xi'an as the host city this year will be a truly wonderful experience for all participants," said Steven Small, vice-president of Air Transport Events at Informa. On his third visit to Xi'an, he expressed strong appreciation for the city, noting that as an ancient capital rich in history and culture, Xi'an impresses not only with its tourism appeal but also with its solid industrial and manufacturing base.

Tang Tao, a member of the Party committee and deputy general manager of China West Airport Group, stated that Xi'an Xianyang International Airport plans to open new routes to Vienna and Novosibirsk this year, while increasing flight frequencies to Hong Kong and other popular tourist destinations.

Engagements with 40 airlines during the event are expected to deliver more concrete cooperation outcomes, expand the international route network, and strengthen global connectivity, making it easier for travellers to connect via Xi'an, explore China, and reach the world.