The 29th edition of Routes World, a prestigious global event in the aviation industry, kicked off at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre, marking the first time it is being held in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The event, running from October 6-8, 2024, is hosted by Bahrain International Airport, in partnership with Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) and the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB). Over 2,300 delegates from 230 airlines and 530 airports around the world are in attendance, making this a significant gathering of aviation professionals and industry leaders.
The opening ceremony was attended by distinguished guests, including His Excellency Mr. Mohamed bin Thamer AlKaabi, the Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications; Her Excellency Ms. Fatima bint Jaafar Al Sairafi, the Minister of Tourism; and Ms. Sara Ahmed Buhiji, Chief Executive Officer of Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority. During the ceremony, Minister AlKaabi highlighted the importance of Routes World as a platform for discussions on shaping the future of the global aviation industry and enhancing air connectivity, showcasing Bahrain’s potentials and capabilities as a key player in the sector.
Her Excellency Fatima bint Jaafar Al Sairafi, the Minister of Tourism and Chairperson of BTEA, emphasized the strategic significance of hosting Routes World 2024 in Bahrain in line with the Tourism Strategy 2022-2026. She highlighted the synergies between the tourism and aviation sectors and the valuable exchange of expertise that this event facilitates, contributing to the development of the aviation industry. The event also showcases Bahrain’s efforts to be a premier destination for conferences and exhibitions, with its modern facilities at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre.
Mohamed Yousif AlBinfalah, Chief Executive Officer of Bahrain Airport Company, expressed the importance of hosting Routes World 2024 in advancing Bahrain’s aviation, tourism, and logistics sectors and positioning the country as a global hub for connectivity and economic growth. He emphasized the collaborative efforts between government entities and private sectors to achieve the common goal of connecting airports, airlines, and destinations. The event serves as a platform to showcase Bahrain’s vision for the future of global air connectivity.
The 29th edition of Routes World 2024 is expected to strengthen Bahrain’s position as a distinctive tourist destination and drive passenger traffic growth to support the government’s vision of a thriving tourism sector. The event will facilitate more than 9,000 meetings over three days, bringing together representatives from top airlines. Engaging panel discussions with industry leaders on topics such as the growth of the Arabian Gulf region and the role of technology in logistics, including air freight and cargo operations, will be held to address the evolving landscape of the aviation industry.
Overall, hosting Routes World in Bahrain signifies a significant milestone for the country’s aviation and tourism sectors, showcasing its strategic importance in the global aviation industry. The event provides a valuable platform for industry professionals to engage in discussions, exchange expertise, and pave the way for future collaborations that will further enhance air connectivity and drive economic growth in Bahrain.
