The award comes as Prague Airport expands international connectivity, having launched new routes last year and earmarked for new long-haul paths to the US and Taiwan in 2026.

The results are in and the winners of this year’s Routes Europe awards have been announced.

Spotlighting the continent’s airports, tourism authorities and airlines, the forum recognises best practices within route development, as well as achievements in airport and destination marketing.

This 2026 edition of Routes Europe took place in the Italian city of Rimini, where a total of six awards were presented.

The airport awards

Airport awards were divided into categories by passenger volume, including under five million, five to 20 million and over 20 million.

In the under five million passengers category, Florence Airport was named the winner, while Athens International Airport triumphed in the over 20 million passengers section.

After also being named best airport in the five to 20 million passenger category, Prague Airport was then selected for the first time as the overall winner by a panel of judges.

In 2025, Czechia’s busiest aviation hub handled 17.8 million passengers – marking an 8.5% increase compared to 2024 and even going beyond pre-Covid pandemic figures.

Prague bets on route expansion

As many as 46 new routes and 24 new destinations were supported by Prague Airport in 2025. The hub also welcomed 12 new carriers who established operations. That brings the current total number of carriers operating there to 89.

New routes include connections to Seoul with Asiana Airlines, Abu Dhabi with Etihad Airways, Toronto via Air Canada and Sharjah with Air Arabia.

This year is also earmarked for more new long-haul routes to commence, including to Philadelphia with American Airlines and Taipei with STARLUX Airlines, which will be the Taiwanese carrier’s first link to Europe.

Routes Europe 2026 awards: The winners

• Under 5 Million Passengers: Florence Airport
• 5-20 Million Passengers: Prague Airport
• Over 20 Million Passengers: Athens International Airport
• Destination: Canary Islands Tourist Board – Promotur
• Airline: Jet2.com
• Overall: Prague Airport

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