iGA Istanbul Airport, having fortified its position as an important global hub airport in this region due to its strategic location, advanced infrastructure, cutting-edge technology, and exceptional passenger experience, has been designated as the official host for Routes World 2023, in partnership with the General Directorate of Promotion of the Republic of Türkiye, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and Turkish Airlines. Thanks to Routes World, one of the most prestigious events in the world aviation industry, approximately 3,000 senior executives from the international aviation sector are expected to visit Istanbul.

iGA Istanbul Airport's gateway to the world, has secured the prestigious position of being the official host of Routes World 2023, in collaboration with the General Directorate of Promotion of the Republic of Türkiye, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and Turkish Airlines. Routes events, highly sought after by the world's leading airports and destinations since their inception in 1995, are regarded as the most highly-esteemed organizations in the global aviation sector. The event provides a platform for airlines, airports, and destinations to discuss and plan future services.

Hosting Routes World 2023 marks a significant milestone in the history of Turkish aviation and contributes to the global promotion of Türkiye and Istanbul. This major summit, which will be held for the 28th time in 2023, is expected to play a crucial role in the recovery process of the aviation industry. Conversely, Istanbul has the potential to become a direct destination, surpassing its status as a global hub, and specifically appealing to low-cost airline companies.

During Routes World 2023, Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA) General Manager, Yalçın Lokmanhekim, stated that one of the largest events in the world will be hosted by iGA Istanbul Airport, "This significant event in Istanbul will undoubtedly make an enormous positive contribution to the promotion of Türkiye." Emphasizing that TGA is making a significant effort to promote Türkiye abroad, Lokmanhekim stated, "Today, Türkiye is conducting extensive promotional activities in 140 countries worldwide through TGA. In 2021, the TGA also played host to a total of 3,770 people in Türkiye, including foreign journalists, influencers, opinion leaders, and travel agencies. Nearly 1.1 billion views were recorded on the social media channels after the number of online and offline shares that occurred after this exceptional hospitality. We promote our country, our destinations and our tourism products in 10 different languages through our digital platform, Go Turkiye."

Commenting on the event, Turkish Airlines General Manager (CEO), Bilal Ekşi said, "At Turkish Airlines, we take pride in having served as Türkiye's national flag carrier for almost 90 years, and we are honored to host the Routes World 2023 event, which will coincide with the centennial of our Republic. In line with our vision of forging connections between continents, cultures, and individuals, and bolstered by our ever-growing route network, we continue to strengthen our prominent standing in the global air transportation sector. Routes World 2023, which will enhance the significance of Istanbul's exceptional geographical position and substantial potential in global tourism, will be an important event for us."

"It will be an honor to host this event on our Republic's 100th anniversary."

iGA Istanbul Airport CEO, Kadri Samsunlu, expressed that being selected as the host for the event is a matter of pride for both the airport and for Türkiye's aviation industry, "We are delighted to host the Routes World 2023 event, worthy of the 100th anniversary of the founding of our Republic. At iGA Istanbul Airport, we continue to strengthen our position as a key player in the aviation industry. We have achieved these developments in a short period of time, and our pioneering efforts are being recognized by the industry's most prestigious organizations. In the latter half of 2023, we anticipate reaching the passenger count of 2019, with our next objective being to achieve 100 million passengers annually by 2026, at the latest. The Routes World event will enhance this recognition and elevate iGA further in its pursuit of becoming a global brand. Routes World, an annual event that unites thousands of aviation representatives globally and facilitates the exchange of insights from industry authorities, will welcome nearly 3,000 senior aviation executives to our city in 2023. We look forward to strengthening iGA Istanbul Airport's position as a global hub and highlighting the immense potential of our country through this important gathering. The event will showcase Istanbul's rich history, vibrant culture, hidden treasures, and its potential to become a prominent destination for international tourists."

"Air transport plays a crucial role"

Emphasizing the pivotal role of airline transportation in the global economy's post-COVID-19 recovery, Routes CEO, Steven Small, remarked, "Increased airline connections will yield substantial economic benefits for destinations by fostering trade, tourism, investment, labor supply, and market efficiency." Small stated that, "With its present strategy to achieve 100 million passengers by 2026, iGA Istanbul Airport demonstrates its readiness to transform the capacity gained from relocating to a new airport into an advantage. By hosting the Routes World 2023 event, it will have the opportunity to showcase the exceptional development opportunities it can offer to international airline companies, thereby strengthening the position of Turkish Airlines.