Nine awards were given out at this year’s edition of Routes World Awards, which were held in Bahrain and highlight excellence in route development marketing.
With four categories celebrating airports with Under 5 million, 5-10 million, 10-20 million and over 20 million passengers, Newcastle International Airport in the UK won the Under 5 million category as well as being crowned the Overall Winner.
On winning the award, the airport’s director of aviation development, Leon McQuaid, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have won this prestigious Routes World Award. A big thank you to all our airline partners for nominating us; this is incredible recognition for everyone working at Newcastle Airport. We truly appreciate the support of our airline partners, who continue to invest in the Newcastle market and provide vital connectivity for the northeast England region.”
Connecting the northeast of England to more than 80 direct destinations with 16 airline partners and onward connections to more than 300 locations, the airport’s route development strategy is focused on sustainable growth. Innovative marketing campaigns, including its “Here to get you there,” delivered 15 million impressions and boosted web traffic by 21%. The airport has also invested GBP20 million in transforming the passenger experience and developing airline partnerships.
Shortlisted in Under 5 million passengers
Other regional air transport hubs shortlisted in the Under 5 million category included Curacao International Airport in the Caribbean, Halifax Stanfield International Airport in Canada, Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport in Italy and Tallinn Airport in Estonia.
5-10 million passengers
In the 5 -10 million passenger category, Edmonton International Airport took the win. The airport was credited for its CAD15 million Regional Air Services Opportunities Fund, which incorporates partnerships with 15 communities in and around the airport, support route growth and socio-economic development.
More than 10 million passengers
For the 10-20 million passenger category, Prague Airport in the Czech Republic was declared the winner with a 29% rise in passengers and forecasts of 16.2 million passengers for 2024.
Brussels Airports was named the winner of the Over 20 million passenger award with the airport attracted 10 new airlines and 20 new destinations in 2022 and 2024.
Additional awards
Other awards included the Destination Award, which was won by the Deputy Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Cyprus, while British Airways won the airline award. US-based Sun Country Airlines Senior Network and Scheduling Analyst Michael Garko was the winner of the Rising Star Award. Lastly, the Individual Leadership Award, was won by Jay L Lingeswara, VP of Commercial at VietJet Air.
