Wizz Air has been named the Official Carrier for Routes Europe 2026, a major aviation industry event taking place in Rimini, Italy, from 18 to 20 May.
The event will bring together airlines, airports and destinations to shape future air connectivity across Europe and beyond, with the low-cost carrier playing a central role in transport and discussions.
The announcement comes as Wizz Air continues to expand its presence in Italy, where it carried 19 million passengers in 2025 and operates more than 280 routes to over 90 destinations. The airline is also preparing its largest-ever Italian schedule in 2026, alongside new routes from Rimini to cities including Katowice, Sofia, Warsaw, Chisinau, Budapest and Tirana.
Routes Europe is one of the region’s leading route development forums, providing a platform for aviation stakeholders to plan future networks and partnerships. The 2026 edition will be hosted at the Palacongressi Rimini, in a region that attracts approximately 14.5 million visitors annually and serves as a key destination for both leisure and business travel.
Wizz Air’s growth in Italy reflects its broader expansion strategy across Europe. The airline reported a 9.4% increase in passenger numbers in 2025, reinforcing its position as one of the fastest-growing carriers in the region and the second-largest airline in the Italian market.
The airline’s expanding Italian network includes:
- More than 280 routes from Italy
- Connections to over 90 destinations across Europe and beyond
- New services from Rimini to six additional cities
Wizz Air operates a young fleet primarily composed of Airbus A321neo aircraft, designed to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions per passenger kilometre. The airline reports among the lowest CO₂ emissions intensity levels in European aviation, supported by ongoing investment in technology and operational efficiency.
Executives from Wizz Air are expected to participate in the conference programme, addressing topics such as demand trends, network expansion, sustainable growth and collaboration with airports. The event will also feature senior figures from across the aviation sector, including representatives from ACI Europe, IATA and other industry organisations.
Steven Small, VP of Air Transport Events at Informa, said: “As a long-standing supporter of Routes events, we are delighted that Wizz Air will be the Official Carrier for the upcoming Routes Europe. Wizz Air’s extensive network and their commitment to making air travel more accessible aligns with the events mission to shape the region’s future air route networks.”
Ian Malin, Chief Commercial Officer of Wizz Air, said: “We’re thrilled to be the Official Carrier for Routes Europe 2026 as we deploy our largest-ever Italian schedule; a fantastic opportunity to deepen our commitment to Italy and the wider region. With strong growth across the country and expanding operations in Rimini, Wizz Air, Europe’s reliable airline is reshaping what travellers can expect from low-cost aviation — more destinations, greater efficiency, and consistently low fares. Routes Europe brings together partners who share our ambition to strengthen connectivity and unlock new opportunities for tourism and economic development in Italy, Europe and beyond, and we look forward to contributing to this important conversation. Let’s WIZZ!”
Leonardo Corbucci, CEO AIRiminum – Rimini Airport, said: “Having Wizz Air as the official carrier for Routes Europe 2026 marks a significant milestone for Rimini and Emilia-Romagna Region. Its involvement enhances the event’s international profile and confirms the growing strategic role of our airport within the European aviation landscape. We are confident that, thanks to Wizz Air’s contribution, Routes Europe 2026 will be a great success. This partnership is an important step on a shared path to growth. Our aim is to further strengthen international connectivity, develop new traffic opportunities and achieve the ambitious development goals of both the airport and the Emilia-Romagna Region.”
According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, Italy’s travel and tourism sector recorded a strong performance in 2025, with international visitor spending expected to exceed €78 billion by 2035. The sector is projected to contribute €282.6 billion to the national economy, underlining the importance of continued investment in connectivity and infrastructure.
With Routes Europe 2026 set to convene industry leaders in Rimini, Wizz Air’s role as Official Carrier highlights both its growing influence in the European aviation market and Italy’s continued importance as a hub for tourism and air travel development.
