Vilnius Secures Routes Europe 2028

Vilnius has been selected to host Routes Europe 2028, bringing Europe’s leading aviation route development event to the Lithuanian capital for the first time.

The annual forum gathers more than 1,200 senior representatives from airlines, airports, tourism boards and aviation service providers across Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the US. Widely regarded as one of the aviation industry’s most influential annual gatherings, Routes Europe plays a key role in shaping future air connectivity across the region through high-level meetings, route negotiations and strategic networking.

Steven Small, Brand Director of Routes at Informa, described Vilnius as “an ideal host destination for Routes Europe 2028”, highlighting the city’s dynamic economy, modern infrastructure and growing tourism sector. He noted that the timing is particularly significant following the successful opening of Vilnius Airport’s new departures terminal and a record year for Lithuanian Airports. According to Small, Routes Europe remains one of the most important annual gatherings for route development planners shaping the future of air connectivity across Europe and beyond.

The event comes at a time when accessibility and international connectivity are becoming increasingly important factors in destination competitiveness — not only for tourism, but also for investment, talent attraction and international business development.

Simonas Bartkus, CEO of Lithuanian Airports, described Routes Europe as “one of the most important annual gatherings in the aviation industry calendar,” adding that the event will give airline and aviation leaders an opportunity to experience firsthand “the largest and most promising Baltic aviation market, Lithuania’s newest infrastructure developments and a fast-growing capital city increasingly visible on the European map.”

Routes Europe also gives host destinations a rare opportunity for additional one-to-one meetings with airline network planners and aviation executives responsible for future route expansion decisions. Alongside the conference programme, delegates will be introduced to Vilnius and Lithuania through networking events, city experiences and destination showcase activities designed to highlight the country’s culture, hospitality and tourism offering.

The event will take place at LITEXPO and will be hosted by Lithuanian Airports in partnership with Go Vilnius, Lithuania Travel and national transport, tourism and economic development stakeholders.

Vilnius will become the 21st European city to host Routes Europe, joining previous host destinations including Seville, Bergen, Aarhus and Łódź.