Routes Europe 2028 is Coming to Vilnius

Vilnius has been selected to host Routes Europe 2028, bringing more than 1,000 aviation decision-makers to the Lithuanian capital.

One of Europe’s leading aviation events, Routes Europe is expected to create value far beyond the event itself by supporting stronger air connectivity, tourism growth, business links and investment in Vilnius and Lithuania.

The event will bring together senior representatives from airlines, airports, tourism authorities and industry suppliers from more than 55 countries, including representatives of over 120 airlines. As Europe’s leading route development forum, Routes Europe provides a platform for discussions and partnerships that shape future air connectivity across the continent.

For Vilnius and Lithuania, hosting the event creates a rare opportunity to engage directly with the people responsible for decisions on new routes, increased frequencies and future airline networks.

“Hosting Routes Europe 2028 is a great opportunity for Vilnius to bring together the people shaping the future of air connectivity in Europe. Vilnius may be a compact capital, but that is one of its strengths – distances are short, access is easy, and things move fast, while our ambitions are anything but small. Better connections mean more opportunities for our city, its businesses and visitors, and we look forward to showing the aviation community what Vilnius has to offer,” says Valdas Benkunskas, Mayor of Vilnius.

Long-term value beyond the event

The potential impact extends beyond the immediate economic contribution from international delegates staying, meeting, and spending in the city. Better air connectivity supports visitor growth, international business and investment, while making Vilnius and Lithuania more accessible to international markets.

Independent analysis cited by Routes shows that previous host destinations experienced a 6.9% boost in network growth compared with comparator airports, demonstrating the potential for the event to generate benefits that continue well beyond the event itself.

Routes Europe 2028 also comes at a time of significant growth and investment in Lithuania’s aviation sector. Lithuanian Airports handled a record 7.16 million passengers in 2025, up 8.3% year on year, with passenger growth continuing in 2026.

Infrastructure is expanding alongside demand. Vilnius Airport opened its new departures terminal in 2025, while a new arrivals terminal designed by Zaha Hadid Architects is scheduled to open in 2028. Airlines are also increasing frequencies on existing routes, while new carriers are entering the Lithuanian market.

“Routes Europe 2028 will come at the perfect time for Vilnius. With its dynamic economy, modern infrastructure and impressive growth trajectory, Vilnius will provide the perfect backdrop for decision makers to define future air connectivity across Europe and beyond,” says Steven Small, VP of Air Transport Events at Informa.

Small also points to the wider impact of hosting the event, noting that Vilnius has established itself as a destination for international events, conferences and summits and that Routes Europe will form an important part of Lithuania’s tourism growth strategy.

For Vilnius, hosting Routes Europe 2028 is therefore more than bringing another major international event to the city. It is an opportunity to turn international visibility and industry relationships into stronger connectivity and long-term economic value for the city and the country.