Airlines is a strategy game that places you in the role of a young aviation entrepreneur in the 1960s, trying to turn your airline into a global powerhouse. Each player starts with a small set of routes and a few stocks in hand, and on each turn decides whether to expand their network by buying new airports and planes or to play the stocks they already hold to consolidate control. The board is modular, giving each game a different layout, and route cards are distributed randomly, creating a constantly changing world of passenger demand. When a scoring card appears, only the stocks that have been played count towards the company’s value, making hand management crucial. The game blends network and route building with investment and stock holding mechanics, demanding that players balance physical expansion with share control. The ultimate goal is to be the majority shareholder in the most valuable company at the end of the scoring cards, requiring strategic planning, resource negotiation, and a good dose of luck. With 90 minutes of play, 2 to 6 players, and a medium-paced mechanic, Airlines offers an engaging experience for those who enjoy simulating financial markets and building airline routes in a historical setting.

Airlines is ideal for those who appreciate financial strategy and route-building games but don’t want an overly complex experience. The combination of route cards, stocks, and modular expansion creates a dynamic that keeps all players attentive and involved, while the 1960s aviation theme adds charm and historical context to the challenge of dominating the air market.