(RIMINI) Rimini will host Routes Europe 2026 from May 18–20, 2026, drawing airline, airport, and tourism leaders to the Palacongressi di Rimini for three days of face-to-face talks aimed at shaping the region’s air links for years to come. The city received the official handover in April 2025 at the close of the Seville edition, and planning has accelerated through August 2025 with new route launches, airport upgrades, and citywide hospitality coordination. Organizers expect over 5,000 meetings to take place, a volume that local officials say can convert into new services, stronger seasonal schedules, and year-round travel demand across Emilia-Romagna.
Hosts, scope, and priorities
Joint hosts include the Emilia-Romagna Region, the Municipality of Rimini, and Rimini and San Marino International Airport (Federico Fellini Airport, RMI). Hundreds of airlines, airports, and destination agencies are slated to attend.
Scheduling teams have begun mapping likely priorities:
– Summer 2027 capacity
– Shoulder-season travel
– Broader access to secondary and niche markets suited to Rimini’s holiday and events profile
For the city, Routes Europe 2026 is more than a trade event; it’s a springboard for deeper ties with carriers that can support both inbound tourism and business travel.
Strategic targets and regional ambitions
Local leaders frame this as a once-in-a-decade platform to accelerate regional growth plans. Key aims include:
– Emilia-Romagna currently welcomes about 14.5 million visitors a year
– Rimini is targeting over 65 million overnight stays by 2030
– Aim to double tourism’s share of regional GDP to 16%
Hosting Routes Europe 2026 is a core part of connecting the region’s tourism brand with airline networks at a moment when many carriers lock in route strategies.
Venue, hotels, and logistics
The Palacongressi di Rimini, one of Europe’s largest and most advanced conference centres, will host the trade floor, meeting halls, and conference programme. Its eco-friendly design and flexible spaces suit the event’s high-density meeting schedule.
Local logistics highlights:
– Rimini’s hotel base — about 1,200 properties — is being lined up for peak arrivals
– Dedicated transfers will connect RMI, official hotels, and the congress centre
– Official hotels will be bookable through a dedicated platform; coordinated transfers aim to keep movement easy for delegates
Airport development and capacity
Airport development is central to the strategy. Highlights and targets:
– Rimini Airport projecting 450,000 passengers in 2025 — a 50% increase over 2024
– 27 destinations on the route map
– New links from easyJet, Vueling, and British Airways, plus added capacity from Ryanair
– A multimillion-euro masterplan under way, covering a runway project and major terminal works
– First phase due by 2027
These upgrades are timed to show airlines RMI’s readiness to support new or expanded services.
Event format and delegate access
Organizers say the programme will focus on direct, practical talks between airlines and airports, supported by networking events and panels.
Key points for delegates:
– Registered delegates will access a meeting request system in early 2026
– Routes 360 members and sponsors receive early access to secure priority time slots
– Official hotels and transfer timetables will be published in advance
– Goal: pack in as many effective meetings as possible and turn them into connectivity agreements
Why Rimini was chosen
Rimini’s selection builds on several strengths:
– Historic seaside resort and growing events city
– Gateway to Emilia-Romagna’s food, culture, and sports offerings
– Modern conference facilities and an airport moving into expansion mode
– A deep tourism supply chain that demonstrates real-world potential to support new routes
Steven Small, Director of Routes, has highlighted the city’s push to strengthen its network as consistent with the forum’s mission.
“Rimini’s drive to expand its network aligns with the Routes mission to help destinations grow smarter, with better-matched routes and schedules.” — Steven Small
Expected wider impacts
Organizers and local leaders expect outcomes beyond the three-day meeting:
– New airline partnerships can reduce the need for connections and lengthen tourism seasons
– Tour operators and destination managers are shaping packages that match airline priorities: family travel, city-break weekends, and event-linked demand
– Shoestring benefits for residents: easier weekend trips, smoother travel for students, and better access for visiting guests
Host messaging and leadership
Key voices and messages:
– Roberta Frisoni, Regional Minister for Tourism, Trade, and Sport: emphasizes air links to share the region’s beaches, cities, and hills with European travellers
– Leonardo Corbucci, CEO of Rimini Airport: highlights rapid growth, new partnerships, and ongoing modernisation as the backbone for hosting
– Steven Small, Director of Routes: stresses the fit between Rimini’s ambitions and Routes’ goals
These unified messages present a coordinated civic, regional, and industry effort.
How the airport upgrades support routes
Airport improvements are framed as operational enablers, not just capacity boosts:
– Terminal upgrades can shorten processing times and improve passenger flow
– Runway work can allow a broader range of aircraft to operate
– Visible construction and early works can signal seriousness to airline planners
These factors can influence carrier decisions on frequencies and aircraft allocation for both peak and off-peak periods.
Regional connectivity and catchment planning
Routes Europe 2026 gives regional partners a platform to present a joint network case:
– Promote day-trip and two-centre itineraries linking Rimini with Parma, Bologna, Modena, and Ravenna
– When modelling new services, airlines evaluate catchment areas, drive/train accessibility, and the mix of leisure and business demand
A coordinated regional pitch strengthens the case for new routes.
Delegate transport, predictability, and on-the-ground details
Rimini’s plan emphasises predictability for delegates:
– Official transport plan will include airport shuttles, hotel-to-venue transfers, and walking routes around the Palacongressi di Rimini
– Organisers will encourage staggered pick-up/drop-off windows to smooth flows
– Practical details (badge collection, security screening, meeting-point maps) will be published in advance
Registration, scheduling, and networking
Registration will open via the event website, with tiered access. The meeting request system opens in early 2026 to allow teams to build meeting diaries.
Registration and scheduling notes:
1. Routes 360 members and sponsors receive early access to arrange meetings.
2. Meeting request system opens early 2026 for full diary building.
3. Evening networking sessions are planned to follow formal meetings.
Practical preparation for international delegates
Foreign delegates from outside the Schengen Area should prepare travel documents in good time. For official visa rules and consular steps, consult the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa portal at https://vistoperitalia.esteri.it/home/en.
Additional practical resources:
– VisaVerge.com for independent coverage and practical guides on visa policies
What to expect as the event approaches
As May 2026 nears, organisers expect:
– Further route announcements and added frequencies from RMI
– Finalised hotel room blocks and rates
– Visible progress on masterplan early works at the airport
– Publishing of booking links for hotels and shuttles, plus app and email alerts for real-time updates
For airlines, seeing crews and equipment on the ground is a strong signal that plans are moving from paper to reality.
Benefits for residents and local businesses
A stronger route map can deliver everyday improvements:
– Easier weekend trips and student travel
– More inbound business travellers supporting restaurants and venues during shoulder seasons
– Local companies gaining quicker access to clients and suppliers across Europe, reducing travel time and costs
Final note: ready to turn talks into action
The hosts will continue releasing details on the forum’s agenda, meeting windows, and transport arrangements as the date approaches. Teams handling registration, scheduling, travel, exhibition services, and the event app can be contacted through the official event website.
For now, the message is clear: Rimini is ready to welcome the air service development community, with airport growth already under way, a clear masterplan through 2027, and a city equipped to host large conferences. Routes Europe 2026 at the Palacongressi di Rimini aims to bring the right people into the same rooms at the right time, helping airlines and airports shape the next chapter of Emilia-Romagna’s connectivity and travel economy.
Practical planning tips for prospective delegates
- Book registration early to secure preferred meeting tiers once the system opens.
- Watch for official hotel releases to get the best choice on location and price.
- Plan travel with a buffer if connecting through a major hub before reaching Rimini.
- Monitor the host’s transport plan for shuttle times and pick-up points.
- Bring clear meeting targets—a new seasonal route, an extra frequency, or a joint promotion—to keep talks focused and productive.
This Article in a Nutshell
Routes Europe 2026 will be held in Rimini May 18–20, 2026, expecting 5,000+ meetings to boost Emilia‑Romagna connectivity. RMI forecasts 450,000 passengers in 2025 and is pursuing runway and terminal upgrades, with first phase due by 2027.
