In the latest edition of the Routes World Awards, Italy secured two of the most coveted trophies, reinforcing the country’s position in the competitive arena of international aviation. The awards, regarded as a benchmark for excellence in airport performance, network development and tourism promotion, honored airports that have successfully expanded their reach and strengthened partnerships with airlines.
The ceremony highlighted the importance of robust air connectivity for tourism economies, especially for island destinations that rely heavily on flights to attract visitors year-round. Among the laureates, two Italian facilities stood out for their strategic growth and collaborative approach with carriers.
Rome Fiumicino clinches the overall championship
The Rome Fiumicino airport emerged as the overall winner of the 2026 edition, also taking home the prize for the category of airports handling more than 30 million passengers. The accolade celebrates the hub’s pivotal role in linking European capitals, Middle-Eastern markets and North-American gateways. Federico Scriboni, director of commercial development for Aeroporti di Roma (ADR), expressed pride in the achievement, stating, “We are proud to receive the Routes World Award. This recognition confirms the confidence our partners place in the impact and effectiveness of our initiatives at Rome Fiumicino.”
Fiumicino’s success is anchored in its ability to nurture long-term relationships with airlines, offering a platform for new routes and maximizing slot efficiency. The award underscores the airport’s contribution to Italy’s broader tourism strategy, as it continues to serve as a primary entry point for millions of travelers each year.
Cagliari shines in the 5-10 million passenger segment
On the island of Sardinia, Cagliari Airport captured the prize for airports with traffic between 5 and 10 million passengers. David Crognaletti, the commercial director of the airport, highlighted the significance of a shortlist compiled by airlines themselves, remarking, “It shows the value of listening, building long-term relationships and honoring our commitments.”
The award carries special meaning for Sardinia, where air links are essential for island accessibility. Recent milestones include the inauguration of a direct flight from New York JFK operated by Delta Air Lines in 2026, followed by a seasonal Newark-Cagliari service slated for 2027 with United Airlines. These transatlantic connections, linking the island to the United States, illustrate how strategic route development can expand tourism markets and provide year-round travel options.
Other global winners and emerging routes
Beyond Italy, the 2026 awards recognized several airports and organisations that have pushed the boundaries of connectivity. Shannon Airport in Ireland secured the prize for facilities handling under 5 million passengers, while Brussels Airport triumphed in the 17.5-30 million bracket, thanks to an expanded destination network and the arrival of new carriers.
Edinburgh Airport in Scotland was honoured in the 10-17.5 million category, having processed nearly 17 million passengers in 2025 and added 25 new routes, with another 13 planned for 2026. Its most notable growth area lies in connections to North America, reinforcing the airport’s status as a gateway between the UK and the continent.
The Ente Nazionale del Turismo del Marocco earned the Destination award for its efforts to promote and develop air links, while Transavia was named the best airline, maintaining all 14 routes launched over the previous two years. Finally, the Route of the Year accolade went to the Singapore-Vienna service operated by Scoot, which achieved an average load factor exceeding 90 % and prompted an increase in weekly frequencies.
Collectively, these recognitions illustrate a global trend: airports that prioritize partnership, route diversification and consistent service quality are increasingly rewarded on the world stage. Italy’s dual victories at the Routes World Awards signal a strong commitment to these principles and set the stage for further expansion of its air network in the years to come.
