The Routes Asia 2025 Awards are gearing up to celebrate outstanding achievements in airport and destination marketing, with a prestigious group of finalists representing 15 airports, four destinations, and four airlines. The winners will be recognized during the Routes Asia 2025 Networking Evening, which is scheduled for March 26 in Perth, Australia.
This year, the awards feature six categories, including three focused on airport excellence in route development marketing. Airports competing for these honors have been categorized based on passenger volume: Under 5 Million, 5-20 Million, and Over 20 Million. The awards not only recognize the unwavering support airports provide to their airline partners but also highlight the critical role of destinations in fostering successful air travel routes.
As the event approaches, let’s take a closer look at the finalists in the three airport categories. The recognition of these airports underscores their commitment to enhancing aviation connectivity and promoting regional tourism.
Under 5 Million Passengers
Alice Springs Airport, Australia has established itself as a pivotal aviation hub in Australia's Northern Territory, leveraging strategic route development and strong airline partnerships. Recent years have seen the introduction of new routes, including Airnorth’s services connecting Cairns and Perth, which not only boosts domestic connectivity but also augments regional tourism. The airport's enhancements also include aeronautical charge rebates and targeted marketing designed to nurture sustainable growth.
Cairns Airport, Australia, situated in one of the nation's most aviation-intensive regions, adopted an innovative market-specific approach to route development. In 2024, the airport welcomed new international services, such as China Eastern’s Lunar New Year flights and the return of Cathay Pacific, significantly expanding its international reach. Collaboration with tourism and government stakeholders has led to tailored incentive packages that support airline operations and drive route success.
Clark International Airport, Philippines reported a significant 20% rise in passenger traffic in 2024, reaching 2.4 million travelers. The airport has launched new international routes such as Royal Air Philippines’ service to Muan and Jeju Air’s Busan connections. Clark's exceptional airline incentive programs, like the Hub Operation Package, have attracted several new carriers that enhance route sustainability, while future developments promise an airport city and the Airport Railway Express, which will cut travel time to Manila.
Krabi International Airport, Thailand welcomed 2.5 million passengers in 2024, marking a 12.1% increase from the previous year, with international traffic surging by 21.6%. The airport’s proactive engagement with airlines has resulted in new partnerships and expanded domestic and international routes, including increased services to Singapore.
Phnom Penh International Airport, Cambodia has seen notable achievements, including Air Cambodia’s flight to New Delhi and Emirates’ return via Singapore, which enhance global connectivity. The airport's commitment to a collaborative airline engagement strategy has fostered operational excellence recognized by awards such as IATA’s ISAGO certification.
5-20 Million Passengers
Adelaide Airport, Australia achieved record passenger traffic in 2024, surpassing 8.5 million travelers and a 10% year-over-year increase. With the return of Emirates’ daily flights and successful partnerships with airlines such as QantasLink and Malaysia Airlines, Adelaide continues to strengthen regional connectivity as part of its Network Vision 2050.
Cam Ranh International Airport, Vietnam recorded a remarkable 7 million passengers in 2024 with a 46% rise in international passenger traffic. By transitioning from charter to scheduled services, the airport has reinforced its position as a vital gateway to Vietnam, enhancing connections to major international markets.
Macau International Airport, China experienced a substantial boost, with 7.64 million passengers in 2024, marking a 48% increase from the prior year. Its strategic partnerships and operational expansions have solidified its position as a key aviation hub within the Greater Bay Area.
Mactan-Cebu International Airport, Philippines continues to demonstrate resilience, handling 11.3 million passengers in 2024, nearing pre-pandemic levels with 89% recovery. With a broadened carrier network and expansion of services, the airport remains a vital travel hub in the region.
Penang International Airport, Malaysia reported impressive figures as well, achieving 7.7 million passengers in 2024. The airport has attracted seven new carriers and initiated new routes, backing its strategic goal of sustaining aggressive aviation growth through innovative programs.
Over 20 Million Passengers
Brisbane Airport, Australia is on an impressive trajectory, reaching 104% of its 2019 passenger levels by January 2025. Through the $200 million Attracting Aviation Investment Fund, the airport has secured 22 new routes, reinforcing its role in the local and regional economy.
Changi Airport, Singapore posted 67.7 million passenger movements in 2024—a 15% year-over-year increase, evidencing its robust recovery strategies and airline partnerships that have expanded its network significantly.
Hong Kong International Airport handled 53.1 million passengers in 2024, a remarkable 34.3% increase accompanied by extensive network expansions and the successful rollout of a new three-runway system that further increased capacity by 30%.
Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Malaysia reported a total of 57.1 million passengers, reflecting a 20.9% increase in travel activity as it broadened its service offerings with new international routes launched.
Melbourne Airport, Australia continued its recovery trajectory by welcoming 35.7 million passengers in 2024, driven by substantial increases in international traffic and new airline collaborations that enhance travel options.
The recognition of these airports underscores the centrality of robust marketing strategies and innovative partnerships within the aviation sector, ensuring that they can adapt to ongoing challenges while optimizing opportunities for growth.
As the Routes Asia 2025 Awards approach, anticipation builds among the aviation community, eager to celebrate the achievements of those leading the way in airport and destination marketing.
