The Routes Americas 2025 Awards will celebrate excellence in airport and destination marketing, with 15 airports, five destinations and five airlines making the final this year.
Six awards are up for grabs, with three dedicated to airport excellence in route development marketing. Categorized by passenger volume—Under 4 Million, 4-20 Million and Over 20 Million—these awards recognize airports for their outstanding marketing support to airline partners.
The Destination Award recognizes destinations for their valuable support to airline partners, and the Airline Award celebrates the significance of partnerships in establishing successful and profitable routes. An Overall Winner will be chosen from the list of winners.
The Airport and Destination categories have been reviewed and scored by a panel of airline judges, while the Airline category has been reviewed and scored by a panel of editorial judges.
Today we profile the finalists from the three airport categories, with the finalists for the Destination and Airline categories featuring tomorrow. The winners will be announced on Feb. 11 at Routes Americas 2025, taking place in Nassau & Paradise Island, Bahamas.
More News And Analysis From Routes Americas 2025
AIRPORT FINALISTS
Under 4 Million
Aruba Airport Authority, Aruba
Aruba’s Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA) surpassed 3 million passengers in 2024—a 14% year-over-year increase. This growth is bolstered by a 15% increase in seat capacity, adding 263,000 seats, and the addition of two new airline partners, LATAM Airlines and GOL, with new routes to Lima and São Paulo. The likes of JetBlue Airways, Delta Air Lines and American Airlines also increased frequencies, maintaining high load factors despite expanded capacity. With 25 airlines serving more than 45 destinations and 31 cities, AUA continues to expand its connectivity and meet rising travel demand.
Curaçao International Airport, Curaçao
Curaçao International Airport (CUR) celebrated its best year yet in 2024, reaching an all-time high of 2.1 million passenger movements—a 24% increase compared to 2023 and a 46% growth over 2019. This milestone coincided with the island's 90th anniversary of commercial aviation. CUR’s strategic efforts in route retention, network diversification and sustainable growth have yielded results. Passenger demographics have shifted as the Dutch market share dropped from 70% to 37%, with the U.S. growing to 22% and South America to 17%, driven by aggressive marketing campaigns and partnerships.
Halifax International Airport Authority, Canada
Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ) served 3.9 million passengers in 2024—an 11% increase from 2023—positioning itself as a hub for domestic, transborder and international connectivity. Key highlights include a 69.8% growth in transborder U.S. capacity, with three new airlines and two additional destinations. Additionally, four transatlantic routes were launched last year, with WestJet’s nonstop service to Dublin, Edinburgh and London Gatwick, as well as Icelandair’s flights to Reykjavik. HIAA leverages advanced analytics tools and a robust incentive program, including revenue guarantees and marketing campaigns
Québec City Jean-Lesage International Airport, Canada
Québec City Jean-Lesage International Airport (YQB) has positioned itself as the “smallest of the great airports,” leveraging its size to offer a stress-free passenger experience and personalized airline support. This approach has driven notable successes, including a 15% increase in international passenger traffic in 2024 compared to pre-pandemic levels. YQB’s marketing campaigns have been pivotal in reducing passenger leakage to larger airports nearby. Campaigns link to DécollezDeQuébec.ca to promote direct flights from YQB via an intuitive schedule platform that simplifies bookings and supports local travel agents.
Syracuse Hancock International Airport, U.S.
Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR) served more than 3 million passengers in 2024, a 5% increase from 2023, marking a record-breaking year. Notable route developments include JetBlue Airways’ Boston service transitioning to year-round, United Airlines’ increased Washington Dulles frequency and significant growth in JetBlue’s Orlando service. Sun Country Airlines also became a new airline partner during the year. Key achievements in 2024 include a 10% increase in annual seats on 12 routes and the highest growth in premium seats among regional peers.
4-20 Million
Aeroparque Jorge Newbery, Argentina
Buenos Aires’ Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP), operated by Aeropuertos Argentina, reached historic milestones in 2024, welcoming a record 14.9 million passengers. Key achievements included seven new domestic and international routes to destinations like Bogotá, Colombia; Montevideo, Uruguay; and Florianópolis, Brazil, and the addition of Avianca and Sky Perú to its network. AEP also broke operational records, handling 55,000 passengers and 415 flight movements in a single day. Aligned with airline needs, AEP’s route development team leverages analytics and works with consultants to identify opportunities and overcome capacity constraints.
Calgary International Airport, Canada
Calgary International Airport (YYC) served 19 million passengers in 2024, strengthening global connectivity through strategic partnerships with Destination Canada, Travel Alberta and Tourism Calgary. Key achievements included tailored incentives and marketing campaigns to support airline partners at every stage, from route launches to long-term growth. New destinations included Reykjavik, Iceland; Tulum, Mexico; Seoul, South Korea; and New Delhi, India, via London Heathrow. Condor resumed service to Frankfurt, while Flair Airlines increased winter capacity by 37%.
Indianapolis International Airport, U.S.
Indianapolis International Airport (IND) achieved a record-breaking milestone in 2024, surpassing 10 million passengers for the first time. The airport now offers 52 nonstop destinations, adding 13 new routes, including Portland, Nashville and Dublin with Aer Lingus—its only transatlantic service. IND leveraged major events such as the NBA All-Star Game, Indy 500 and Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour to secure special event-driven flights. By analyzing demand trends, the airport successfully worked with airlines like Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and Sun Country Airlines to increase capacity.
Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, U.S.
Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) continues its impressive trajectory of growth, serving 4.24 million passengers in 2024—a remarkable 292% increase compared to 2018. Key achievements include the announcement of 20 new nonstop routes in 2024, with 10 routes already operational. Notable new destinations include New York LaGuardia (American Airlines), Chicago O’Hare (Frontier Airlines) and Portland, Maine (Breeze Airways). Unique collaborations with destination marketing organizations have resulted in innovative initiatives, including a wrapped Airbus A320 promoting the local region.
Zurich Airport Brasil, Brazil
Passenger traffic at Florianópolis Airport (FLN) grew by 23% in 2024 compared to 2019, reaching 4.8 million. The airport also became Brazil's third largest for international traffic, with nearly 1 million passengers. Key achievements included securing 13 international routes operated by 10 airlines. Notable additions in 2024 were Copa Airlines (Panama), TAP Air Portugal (Lisbon) and Azul Airlines (Asunción), alongside routes to Santiago, Buenos Aires, Montevideo and Córdoba. Collaborative efforts, including tax incentive programs, joint marketing campaigns and partnerships with public and private entities, have created a robust support system for airlines.
Over 20 Million
Denver International Airport (DEN), U.S.
Denver International Airport (DEN) experienced a record-breaking year in 2024, welcoming more than 82 million passengers and solidifying its position as North America’s third-busiest airport. With service to 223 destinations, including 33 international cities, DEN continued to expand its connectivity and global reach. In 2024, DEN added five new airlines, including Turkish Airlines and Aer Lingus, introducing key international routes to Istanbul and Dublin. International passenger traffic surged by 45% compared to 2019, reaching over 4.6 million travelers. Strategic initiatives, including incentives and marketing partnerships with organizations like Colorado Tourism, supported new and incumbent carriers.
Montréal-Trudeau International Airport, Canada
Montréal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) achieved a record-breaking year in 2024, welcoming 22.4 million passengers—an increase of 10.3% compared to 2019. Key achievements include the arrival of new carriers such as Emirates, Arajet, Avianca, Sun Country and French Bee. Notable new routes included Air Transat’s direct flights to Marrakech and Lima, as well as Air Canada’s service to Seoul, Stockholm and Austin. YUL’s success is built on tailored support programs for airlines, offering customized incentives, airport fee rebates and marketing collaborations.
Nashville International Airport, U.S.
Nashville International Airport (BNA) continued its impressive growth trajectory in 2024, expanding its global connectivity. For the first time in its history, BNA will offer 114 nonstop destinations in 2025, underscoring its strategic focus on air service development. Achievements include the successful addition of international carriers such as Icelandair and Aer Lingus, with new routes to Reykjavik and Dublin. In 2024, BNA leveraged Nashville’s “Music City” identity to build excitement around new routes, hosting high-profile events featuring live music.
Tampa International Airport, U.S.
Tampa International Airport (TPA) continued its impressive growth in 2024, offering service to 107 destinations, a 19% increase from pre-pandemic levels. The airport expanded its route portfolio with major international additions to Amsterdam (KLM) and Mexico City (Aeromexico), alongside frequency increases from Copa, Edelweiss and Southwest. Looking ahead, TPA will launch its first-ever South American service to Bogotá (Avianca) and nonstop flights to Vancouver (Air Canada and WestJet) in 2025. TPA’s success is boosted by its Air Service Incentive Program, which provides two years of fee waivers and marketing support for daily year-round international routes.
Washington Dulles International Airport, U.S.
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) celebrated its most successful year in 2024, serving a record-breaking 27 million passengers—a growth of 8.5% year-over-year. With 10.5 million international passengers, IAD also achieved its highest-ever international volumes. In 2024, IAD welcomed six new airlines and launched 27 new routes, including significant international services to Zurich, Mexico City and Vancouver. United Airlines expanded its footprint at IAD, adding 13 new routes and achieving its highest-ever seat capacity at the airport. These additions contributed to a $428 million annual economic impact for the Washington region.
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