12 Bold New Airline Routes Launched This Week

Airlines across the globe are making big moves this week, introducing new airline routes in 2025 as part of the Northern Hemisphere’s summer schedule switch.

Gulf Air Doubles Down on London

Gulf Air has added London Gatwick to its UK network, launching 3x weekly 787-9 flights from Bahrain. With Heathrow constrained, the airline now boasts a record 22 weekly UK flights across Gatwick, Heathrow, and Manchester.

Wizz Air Pushes Its Limits

Wizz Air has begun its longest-ever UK route: London Gatwick to Jeddah. Originally set for the A321XLR, delivery delays forced the use of an A321neo, causing payload restrictions—but flights still sold for $1,200+ one-way.

Virgin Returns to Canada, Arrives in Saudi Arabia

Virgin Atlantic has launched two major routes: daily Heathrow–Riyadh (A330-900) and seasonal Heathrow–Toronto (787-9). These moves expand Virgin’s reach in both North America and the Middle East.

American Airlines Breaks New Ground in Spain

For the first time, a US carrier—American Airlines—is flying between Chicago O’Hare and Madrid. The summer-only route runs daily on the 787-8.

SAS Revives Oslo–New York JFK

After a 37-year gap, SAS is back on the Oslo–JFK route using premium-heavy A321LRs. It joins Norse Atlantic, creating new transatlantic options from Norway.

avianca Connects Tampa to South America

Avianca’s new Bogotá–Tampa route is Tampa’s first ever South American link, with four weekly A320neo flights tapping into a high-demand market.

London–Tbilisi Returns with Two Airlines

After a 5-year break, nonstop London–Tbilisi flights are back. British Airways now flies four times weekly from Heathrow, with easyJet joining from Luton.

Aeromexico Re-enters Phoenix

After 16 years, Aeromexico returns to Phoenix with daily 737 MAX 8 flights from Mexico City, joining American on the same route.

KLM Sets UK Record

KLM has added Exeter to its map, bringing its UK destinations to a record 18. The daily E175 flight revives a key route lost during Flybe’s collapse.

Turkish Airlines Launches Ohrid Flights

Türkiye’s flag carrier adds Ohrid, North Macedonia, to its vast network. Four weekly flights enhance access to the UNESCO-listed lakeside town.

Qantas Returns to Singapore from Darwin

Qantas is back on the Darwin–Singapore route after 18 years, operating four times weekly on the 737-800, competing head-to-head with Singapore Airlines.

easyJet Returns to Frankfurt

easyJet has resumed flights to Frankfurt with double-daily service from both Milan Linate and Rome Fiumicino—its first international routes to the airport.

From long-haul leaps to strategic comebacks, these routes showcase a vibrant and fast-evolving global aviation network.