Adelaide Airport named best in Asia

Adelaide Airport has been named best airport in Asia at an international aviation conference in China overnight. It was crowned the overall winner at the Routes Asia 2026 Awards as well as winning in the 5-20 million passengers category for a second successive year. 

The awards, held at Xi’an in China, celebrates excellence in airport and destination marketing and highlight organisations that have excelled in route development marketing. Airlines vote for the marketing services that support the successful launch of new routes or the development of existing ones. 

Adelaide Airport was recognised for 21 per cent year-on-year growth, and surpassing 9 million passengers for the first time in 2025. 

Adelaide Airport Head of Aviation Business Development and Commercial Jonathan Cheong said the airport’s award submission was built around the significant success in attracting new airlines to new destinations over the past year, including Adelaide’s first ever direct service to the United States with United Airlines, Qantas flying to Auckland and Air New Zealand opening up a new route to Christchurch. 

“This achievement is a testament to the trust and support of our airline friends, whose collaboration continues to fuel Adelaide’s remarkable growth and enhance our city’s presence on the global map,” Adelaide Airport Head of Aviation Business Development and Commercial Jonathan Cheong said. 

“Airlines remain the backbone of connectivity - bringing people, communities and businesses together - and Adelaide Airport is proud to support that every day. Together, we are opening new opportunities, improving connectivity and supporting trade and tourism across South Australia.” 

Adelaide Airport Managing Director, Brenton Cox, said the award was the result of strong collaboration with the South Australian Tourism Commission and the South Australian Government. 

“Our ‘Team Adelaide’ approach to destination marketing has proven highly effective and I thank and congratulate the State Government and SA Tourism Commission for the significant role they have played,” Mr Cox said. 

“Our business development and marketing teams work extremely hard to attract new international carriers and services, and our success is demonstrated by our recent double-digit growth in international passenger numbers.” 

Minister for Tourism, Emily Bourke, added: “This is further recognition of South Australia’s global standing as a leading destination to travel, live and do business.” 

“Our state is experiencing massive growth in passenger numbers and international visitor expenditure – and being named Asia’s best airport reinforces to visitors they can expect a standout experience as soon as they land here.” 

“We’ve seen the return of major airlines such as Cathay Pacific and China Southern Airlines and will continue this work to secure key markets and help international audiences discover everything South Australia has to offer.” 

The news follows the arrival today for the first time of Malaysia Airlines’ new A330neo at Adelaide Airport, offering passengers a stunning new business class cabin and award-winning economy 
class cabin.