Italy continues to stand out on the international air transport stage, and this is underscored by two recognitions at the Routes World Awards 2026. These are major international prizes in the commercial aviation sector, awarded annually to airports, airlines, and tourism authorities that excel in developing global air connectivity, in marketing, and in best industry practices.
A double achievement, achieved by two Italian airports, draws attention to realities capable of rising in a sector where the development of air links represents a strong strategic element for tourism.
The Best Airport at Routes Awards 2026
The most important recognition goes to Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport, which takes home the title of overall winner of the Routes World Awards 2026, in addition to the award in the category for airports with more than 30 million passengers.
The result lauds the role of the Rome airport in the international aviation landscape and its relationship with airlines, a central aspect for route development and for the connectivity of destinations. For Italy, this is a meaningful achievement that confirms Fiumicino’s position among the leaders of international air transport.
“We are proud to receive the Routes World Award,” said Federico Scriboni, head of commercial development for the aviation sector at Aeroporti di Roma (ADR). “This recognition represents a strong validation of the trust our partners place in the impact and effectiveness of our initiatives at Rome’s Fiumicino Airport.”
Cagliari Airport Also Honored
The second Italian recognition comes from Sardinia, where Cagliari Airport wins the prize in the category for airports with traffic between 5 and 10 million passengers, standing out in a band that includes mid-sized airports.
David Crognaletti, the airport’s commercial director, commented on the award: “What makes this recognition particularly meaningful is that the shortlist of finalists was drawn up by the airlines, the partners with whom we collaborate daily. It’s proof of the importance of listening, of building long-term relationships, and of fulfilling commitments.”
A win that carries particular significance for a destination like Sardinia, where air links play a fundamental role in reaching the island and sustaining tourist flows. The ability to develop new routes and consolidate existing ones is crucial to broaden travel opportunities and make the destination more accessible year-round. Consider, for example, the developments concerning direct flights to the United States from the island: in 2026 Olbia welcomed its first direct flight from New York JFK, operated by Delta Air Lines, while 2027 will see the debut of the seasonal connection with Newark operated by United Airlines. Two transatlantic routes that strengthen the bond between Sardinia and the American market, opening up new prospects for international tourism.
Other Winners of the Routes World Awards 2026
Beyond the two Italian awards, the Routes World Awards 2026 recognized airports, airlines and tourism organizations capable of developing new links and strengthening international connectivity.
Among the other awarded airports, Shannon, in Ireland, won in the category under 5 million passengers, while Brussels topped the bracket between 17.5 and 30 million, thanks also to the expansion of its destination network and the arrival of new airlines.
The Edinburgh Airport, in Scotland, claimed the prize in the 10 to 17.5 million passengers category. In 2025 it handled nearly 17 million travellers and added 25 routes, with a further 13 planned for 2026, and what stood out was primarily the growth of connections with North America.
The Destination prize went to the Moroccan National Tourist Office, for its work in promoting and developing air links. Transavia won the title of Best Airline, also thanks to its ability to maintain all 14 routes launched in the last two years.
Among the innovations of the 2026 edition is the Route of the Year award, assigned to the Singapore–Vienna link operated by Scoot, which recorded an average load factor above 90%, leading to an increase in weekly frequencies.
