The 29th edition of Routes World is expected to bring together more than 2,500 delegates.
Routes World, the exhibition for decision makers from airlines, airports and destinations which defines the world’s air route networks, will be held in the Kingdom of Bahrain from 6-8 October in 2024 at Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre, Bahrain.
The 2023 edition of the event drew to a close with iGA – Istanbul Airport handing over the hosting responsibilities of the event to Bahrain International Airport, in the presence of a special Bahrain delegation led by Chairman of Gulf Air Group Holding (GFG), H.E. Mr. Zayed R. Alzayani and Bahrain Airport Company (BAC) Chief Executive Officer Mohamed Yousif AlBinfalah and members of BAC’s Airline Marketing and Route Development teams, Economic Development Board of Bahrain (EDB) and Bahrain Tourisim Authority (BTEA).
Held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, and under the supervision of His Highness Shaikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Personal Representative of His Majesty the King and the Chairman of BIAS’ Supreme Organising Committee, BIAS will return to the aerospace calendar 13-15 November 2024 at Sakhir Airbase Bahrain.
Bahrain is strategically located in the heart of the Gulf with proximity to major destinations across Asia, Europe and Africa, Bahrain serves as an important trading link between the East and the West.
For over 60 years, Bahrain International Airport has connected the world and run some of the most important commercial operations in the Middle East and North Africa. Today, we connect major international destinations across North America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Far East, while offering the highest frequency of regional services.
Bahrain Airport Company (BAC), the operator and managing body of Bahrain International Airport (BIA), announced accrediting Bahrain International Airport and the Pearl Lounge with the prestigious 5-star rating by Skytrax, the world’s top airport and airline rating body, for the third year in a row in recognition of the high standards of its facilities and services.
Bahrain is a perfect destination for businesses and airlines to launch or expand their operations. Routes World 2024 will showcase Bahrain’s long-standing aviation history, strong infrastructure and thriving tourism industry and will result in attracting business opportunities and partnerships with international airlines and aviation stakeholders.
By consistently uniting decision-makers from the global route development community on an international platform, Routes World has made a real impact on the world’s air services – over half of the world’s new routes are connected to meetings at the event. VPs and Heads of Network Planning from 250 carriers are expected to attend the event.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Steven Small, director of Routes, said: “Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030 aims for a productive, robust economy that is sustainable, globally competitive and fair. Routes World will be a critical event for the Kingdom to achieve this aim. By uniting decision makers from the route development community in the Kingdom of Bahrain, the destination will be at the centre of conversations driving growth in global air connectivity.”
“We are honoured that the Kingdom of Bahrain will be hosting this prominent global event, and we’d like to congratulate Team Bahrain for their efforts in contributing to hosting the 29th edition of the conference that will bring together global leaders from the aviation sector under one roof. The conference will support the objectives of the Bahrain Economic Vision 2030, with an aim to position the Kingdom as a global, competitive and sustainable economic hub.” said H.E Zayed R. Alzayani, Chairman of Gulf Air Group Holding (GFG).
Bahrain marked its presence at Routes World 2023 under the theme, ‘100 years of Bahrain’, showcasing Bahrain as a prominent tourism destination, its rich heritage, cultural diversity and renowned hospitality at one of the world’s most important aviation events.
In terms of individual sectors, the travel and tourism sector has been a notable growth driver of late as it averaged y/y growth of 7.7% over the first three quarters, with visitor numbers up 7.0% y/y in Q3. There were 5.9mn visitors in the first half of the year, putting Bahrain on track to beat its 2018 record of 12.1mn visitors over the year. However, with reopening gains now realised this growth will likely slow materially in 2024. The largest sector in Bahrain’s non-oil economy remains the financial corporations sector, which registered growth of 8.4% y/y in Q3.
The official estimate for Bahrain’s GDP was $79 billion at the end of 2023 in puchasing power partity terms.
World Economics has developed a database presenting GDP in Purchasing Power Parity terms with added estimates for the size of the informal economy and adjustments for out-of-date GDP base year data. World Economics estimates Bahrain’s GDP to be $108 billion – 37% larger than official estimates.
As part of its plan to propel the region forward even further, Gulf Air, the national air carrier of Bahrain, has introduced new offerings and services, including the launch of Gulf Air Holidays, in partnership with Bahrain Tourism and Exhibition Authority (BTEA) and a codeshare partnership with Emirates that provides easy connections and expanded choices for Gulf Air customers, enabling them to connect to Dubai and onwards to a host of Emirates destinations across Europe, Africa, South America, and the Far East.
Credit: Ocean Driven Media
