The 29th edition of Routes World, the premier global aviation forum, began at the Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre, marking the first time the event is hosted in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Over 2,300 delegates representing 230 airlines and 530 airports are gathered from October 6 to 8 to discuss and shape the future of global aviation. The event is hosted by Bahrain International Airport (BIA), managed by Bahrain Airport Company (BAC), in collaboration with the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) and the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB). Notable attendees include H.E. Mohamed bin Thamer AlKaabi, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications; H.E. Fatima bint Jaafar Al Sairafi, Minister of Tourism; and Mohamed Yousif AlBinfalah, CEO of BAC.
During the opening ceremony, Minister AlKaabi highlighted the significance of the event as a platform for discussions on the future of aviation, focusing on enhancing global air connectivity. He also emphasized Bahrain’s strategic location and its potential as a key player in a sustainable and thriving aviation sector. Minister Al Sairafi emphasized that the event supports the objectives of the Kingdom’s Tourism Strategy 2022-2026, fostering the relationship between tourism and aviation. She praised Bahrain’s modern exhibition infrastructure and its position as a destination for international conferences and exhibitions, in line with the nation’s economic vision for 2030.
BAC CEO AlBinfalah mentioned that hosting Routes World 2024 is a significant milestone for Bahrain’s aviation, tourism, and logistics sectors. He expressed pride in showcasing the country’s cutting-edge infrastructure and its vision to become a global hub for connectivity. Throughout the three-day event, more than 9,000 meetings are expected to take place, featuring over 40 speakers, including five airline CEOs. Key sessions on the opening day included a Powerhouse Panel discussing the post-pandemic recovery of the aviation sector, as well as keynote speeches from CEOs of leading airlines, such as Jeffrey Goh of Gulf Air, Tony Douglas of Riyadh Air, and Steven Greenway of Flyadeal. As Routes World 2024 unfolds, the focus will shift to critical issues like sustainability and air freight, positioning Bahrain as a future leader in the global aviation industry.
In conclusion, the hosting of Routes World 2024 in Bahrain marks a significant moment in the country’s aviation and tourism sectors. With key stakeholders and industry players coming together to discuss the future of global aviation, Bahrain is showcasing its potential as a key player in the sustainability of the aviation industry. The event supports the objectives of Bahrain’s Tourism Strategy and highlights the nation’s modern infrastructure and economic vision. With a focus on critical issues like sustainability and air freight, Bahrain is positioning itself as a future leader in the global aviation industry.
