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A gathering of unparalleled magnitude is set to take place in Istanbul as significant stakeholders from the aviation world converge to sculpt the future of air connectivity on a global scale. Amid projections by IATA that 2023 will see a staggering 4.35 billion passengers taking to the skies, this momentous meeting holds promise for the billions who rely on the aviation sector.

Dubbed the 28th edition of the much-anticipated Routes World conference, Istanbul will witness a congregation of over 2,500 esteemed decision-makers representing a broad spectrum of airlines, airports, and destinations. The guest list is studded with top-tier executives, including VPs and heads of network planning from over 260 premier airlines. Their goal: Engage in prolific discussions, spanning over 10,000 meetings, with airport and destination representatives. The endgame is to pinpoint new route opportunities that would transform global air travel. Notable attendees include aviation juggernauts like Air France, Delta Air Lines, Emirates, Qantas, and Wizz Air.

In a turn that underscores the significance of this year’s conference, China’s heavyweight carriers are making their first collective appearance after the rollback of most COVID-19 travel restrictions. As these airlines – Air China, China Eastern, Hainan Airlines, and their peers – once dominated global air passenger demand, their presence is eagerly anticipated. Their agenda: Deliberate on proposals to streamline their post-pandemic recovery efforts.

Beyond the airlines, the conference promises a mosaic of insights with over 50 industry leaders, government officials, and expert suppliers attending. CEOs set to illuminate the event include:

Bilal Ekşi of Turkish Airlines divulged the airline’s ambitious growth trajectory.
Güliz Öztürk of Pegasus Airlines, unravelling her vision of an airline thriving on digital transformation and deep-seated principles of diversity, equality, and sustainability.
Samer Majali of Royal Jordanian, casting light on the airline’s expansive fleet renewal plans as it magnifies its global presence.

The stellar event finds its home at the iGA Istanbul Airport. Previously acknowledged as a mere transit hub, iGA Istanbul Airport aims to revolutionize this narrative. After hosting an impressive 64 million passengers in 2022 and standing proud as the world’s seventh busiest airport, its sights are even higher. With a current capacity to serve 90 million passengers, future projections promise an awe-inspiring handling capability of 200 million.

Steven Small, Routes’ illustrious director, opined, “Istanbul’s role in global route development is pivotal. The ripple effect of heightened air connectivity is monumental. By playing host to Routes World, Istanbul is poised to harness the potential ushered in by their new airport.”

Sharing the enthusiasm, Selahattin Bilgen, the interim CEO of iGA Istanbul Airport, remarks, “As we stand at the confluence of modernity and tradition in our iconic city, hosting Routes World 2023 is both an honor and a commitment to shaping the aviation future. We eagerly await the shared visions and innovative ventures that this event promises.”