Adelaide Airport (ADL) has been crowned the Overall Winner at the Routes Asia 2026 Awards, while also triumphing in the 5-20 Million Passengers category for a second successive year.
The Australian airport was one of five winners recognised at the event, which celebrates excellence in airport and destination marketing. Other winners at the ceremony – held on April 14 during Routes Asia 2026 in Xi’an, China – were Langkawi International Airport (LGK), Melbourne Airport (MEL), Sanya Tourism Board and Qantas Airways.
Jonathan Cheong, Adelaide Airport’s Head of Aviation Business Development and Commercial, said: “This achievement is a testament to the trust and support of our airline friends, whose collaboration continues to fuel Adelaide’s remarkable growth and enhance our city’s presence on the global map. Airlines remain the backbone of connectivity – bringing people, communities, and businesses together – and Adelaide Airport is proud to support that every day. Together, we are opening new opportunities, improving connectivity, and supporting trade and tourism across South Australia.”
Adelaide Airport handled nine million passengers in 2025, representing year-on-year growth of 21% and surpassing pre-pandemic levels. The airport secured its first-ever non-stop service to the US, with United Airlines launching flights to San Francisco, while Indonesia AirAsia launched services to Bali. Other successes included Cathay Pacific resuming service from Hong Kong and China Southern Airlines extended its Guangzhou flights to year-round.
In the Under 5 Million Passengers category, Langkawi International Airport was named the winner. The airport recorded strong growth in 2025, handling about 2.9 million passengers – an increase of nearly 12% – supported by a 17% rise in seat capacity. Langkawi expanded its airline network to seven carriers and boosted connectivity through scheduled and charter services, including flights from Warsaw, Tashkent and Chengdu.
Melbourne Airport claimed the award in the Over 20 Million Passengers category after achieving record passenger traffic in 2025. The airport handled 37 million passengers during the year, as well as adding 902,000 additional long-haul seats and expanding its airline portfolio to a record 42 carriers. Network developments included Delta Air Lines launching its first flights to Melbourne from Los Angeles and Shenzhen Airlines adding a route from Shenzhen.
The Destination award went to Sanya Tourism Board, which was recognised for its role in expanding air connectivity and tourism growth. The destination supported the development of 43 international air routes connecting Sanya with 33 cities across 18 countries and regions. International tourism growth reached record levels in 2025, with inbound overnight visitors rising 41.4% year-on-year to more than 1.06 million.
Qantas won the Airline category. The airline has continued to reshape its network following the post-pandemic recovery, adding more than 40 new domestic routes, 14 new domestic points, 25 new international routes and 12 new international destinations. Qantas also plans to launch three additional international routes in 2026, including the first scheduled service between Australia and Las Vegas.
Finalists in the Airport and Destination categories were reviewed and scored by a panel of airline judges, while the Airline category was judged by a panel of editorial judges.
