Rio de Janeiro is preparing to host one of the biggest aviation events in the world. On Thursday (12/12), in a ceremony at the Palácio da Cidade, the city was officially chosen to host Routes Americas 2026, with RIOgaleão as the host airport. The confirmation took place in partnership with Rio City Hall, through Invest.Rio and the Secretariat for Urban and Economic Development, and with the support of Visit Rio.
– We know it hasn’t been easy to rebuild, but working together with the Federal Government and Galeão itself we’ve seen great results. Rio is already successfully hosting the world’s most important events again. And we know how to do it well. We have a complete infrastructure and unique hospitality. So Routes will certainly be very successful here, bringing new routes and airlines to the city – said Mayor Eduardo Paes.
Routes Americas is one of the most important events in the sector, bringing together more than 70 airlines and 370 airports, as well as global aviation leaders and tourism authorities. Over three days, conferences, business roundtables and networking sessions will be held, connecting decision-makers responsible for planning new routes and air services.
It is estimated that 82% of the participants will come from outside Brazil, from strategic markets for Rio de Janeiro: 54% from the Americas, 28% from Europe and 14% from the Asia-Pacific region.
– Rio has a proven track record of hosting events of global relevance, such as the 2016 Olympics and, more recently, the G20 Leaders’ Summit. RoutesAmericas will support the city’s goal of attracting even more international events, promoting tourism and securing investment through the role it will play in strengthening air connectivity – said Routes director Steven Small.
According to a study by the World Travel and Tourism Council, the travel and tourism sector in Brazil is expected to contribute US$169.3 billion to the country’s GDP in 2024, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2019. By 2034, this contribution should reach US$ 194.6 billion.
– RIOgaleão has been taking part in the Routes events for 10 years and we are delighted that Rio de Janeiro will be its host city. As the host airport, it will be a unique opportunity to present the destination of Rio de Janeiro to airline delegates from all over the world. Rio International Airport is one of the main gateways for tourism in Brazil and offers countless growth opportunities for our airline partners – said the president of RIOgaleão, Alexandre Monteiro.
Opportunity for Rio de Janeiro
The event will be a global showcase for Rio de Janeiro, allowing more people to get to know the city’s potential as a tourist and business destination. The program will include a VIP program for 20 airlines, networking events, an awards ceremony and tourist activities.
– The arrival of Routes Americas 2026 shows that the city of Rio de Janeiro has established itself as a city with the capacity to host major events, whether for business, leisure or culture. What’s more, it consolidates Rio as a good city to invest in and live in – said the acting Municipal Secretary for Urban and Economic Development, Thiago Dias.
The president of Invest.Rio, Alexandre Vermeulen, also commented on the importance of attracting an event like Routes Americas to the city.
– This is another opportunity to position Rio as a strategic hub not only for tourism, but also for business. We have a vocation in strategic sectors such as energy, oil and gas, technology, the creative economy, tourism and others. This event allows us to show the world the city’s potential as a hub for air connections and a complete destination for investment. We are keen to see more air routes to Rio de Janeiro, not only as a tourist destination but also as a business destination – said the president of Invest.Rio.
Next steps
Before hosting the event, RIOgaleão will participate in the 2025 edition, which will take place in the Bahamas in February, where it will present Rio de Janeiro as the next host of Routes Americas 2026.
– With this achievement, Rio de Janeiro reaffirms its vocation for hosting major events and positions itself as one of Latin America’s main tourist and business hubs. The airline industry plays an essential role in promoting the destination and strengthening the local economy. Attracting RoutesAmericas reflects our commitment to expanding Rio de Janeiro’s air connectivity, strengthening the business environment for the Visit Rio Convention Bureau. With a more robust air network, we will have even greater capacity to attract investment and position Rio on the route of major international events – Visit Rio CEO Carlos Werneck.
Credits: Rio City Hall
