Which US and Canadian Airports Offer Up to 110 Daily Flights to Europe This October?

This October, the US and Canada are set to experience a robust increase in scheduled passenger departures to Europe, with an average of 617 daily flights planned. This marks an increase of 20 daily departures compared to last October, reflecting a growing demand for transatlantic travel. Notably, the busiest airports for these flights include New York JFK, Toronto, and Boston, showcasing the evolving landscape of air travel between North America and Europe.

Last updated: 25 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Average of 617 daily departures from US and Canada to Europe in October.
• New York JFK remains the busiest airport for transatlantic flights.
• Toronto has risen to third place due to Air Canada's expansion.
• Boston has seen a significant increase in flights, jumping to fourth place.
• Indianapolis has regained European flights, while Stewart Airport has lost them.

Overview of Transatlantic Travel in October

As the northern carriers transition to their winter schedules on 26 October 2023, the transatlantic flight landscape will witness significant fluctuations. For instance, the number of daily departures will peak at 679 on 4 October, before dropping to just 466 by 28 October. This variability highlights the impact of seasonal scheduling and demand on air travel routes.

The Busiest Airports for European Flights

In total, 47 airports across the US and Canada will have scheduled services to Europe this October. Here’s a closer look at the top ten airports:

1. New York JFK

New York JFK continues to dominate as the leading airport for transatlantic flights. It ranks as the world's second-busiest airport for long-haul services and is the primary hub for widebody aircraft in the US. The airport's strategic location and extensive route network make it a key player in international travel.

2. Toronto Pearson International Airport

Toronto has moved up to third place, largely due to Air Canada's significant increase in flight frequency. The airline has expanded its operations by 7% this year, enhancing its offerings to Southern European destinations, including Athens and Rome. This growth solidifies Air Canada's position as a major player, accounting for 43% of the total flights from Toronto.

3. Boston Logan International Airport

Boston has seen a remarkable rise in European flight offerings, jumping from sixth to fourth place with an 11% increase in scheduled departures. This growth can be attributed to the extension of Condor's summer season and JetBlue's substantial expansion, which has more than doubled its European routes, including new flights to Dublin, Edinburgh, and Madrid.

4. Chicago O'Hare International Airport

Chicago O'Hare remains a significant hub for transatlantic travel, facilitating connections to various European cities. Its strategic location allows for efficient connections and a diverse range of airline services.

5. Los Angeles International Airport

Los Angeles continues to be a vital point for transpacific and transatlantic travel. Its extensive network caters to the high demand for international travel, making it a key player in the North American aviation market.

6. San Francisco International Airport

San Francisco has maintained its status as an important hub for flights to Europe, offering connections to major cities across the continent. Its popularity among travellers reflects the growing demand for travel from the West Coast of the US to Europe.

7. Miami International Airport

Miami is a crucial gateway to Latin America and Europe, providing numerous flights to various European destinations. Its strategic location makes it a preferred choice for travellers from both regions.

8. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

Seattle-Tacoma has seen a steady increase in European flight services, with various airlines expanding their offerings to cater to the growing demand from the Pacific Northwest region of the US.

9. Washington Dulles International Airport

Washington Dulles remains a key hub for international travel, facilitating access to Europe and beyond. Its location serves a significant population of business and leisure travellers looking to connect with European cities.

10. Newark Liberty International Airport

Newark continues to be an important player in transatlantic travel, offering a range of direct flights to various European destinations. Its proximity to New York City enhances its appeal to travellers.

Recent Changes in Flight Availability

The competitive nature of transatlantic air travel means airlines are continually adjusting their schedules based on demand. This October, notable changes include:

Air Canada’s Expansion

Air Canada has strategically expanded its operations, particularly to Southern Europe, by increasing frequencies on existing routes. This growth is evident in the addition of Brussels to its network, which had no flights from Toronto last October. Additionally, SAS has introduced year-round flights to Toronto, further boosting its transatlantic capacity.

Boston’s Remarkable Growth

Boston's rise to fourth place in the rankings is significant, especially given that it has experienced a double-digit growth rate. JetBlue’s expansion is a key driver, with the airline doubling its European routes and adding destinations such as Dublin, Edinburgh, and Madrid. Seasonal flights to London Gatwick have also been extended, although on a less premium aircraft type.

Indianapolis and Stewart Airports

Indianapolis has regained European flights, with Aer Lingus launching a new service to Dublin, marking the first time since 2020 that the airport has had transatlantic connections. In contrast, Stewart Airport has lost its European flights following the termination of PLAY's services, highlighting the volatility in this segment of air travel.

Conclusion: The Future of Transatlantic Travel

The landscape of transatlantic travel is ever-evolving, with airlines adapting their schedules to meet changing demand. As we look forward to the winter schedule and beyond, the trends observed in October could provide insights into future travel patterns. The growing number of daily departures indicates a strong recovery in air travel as demand continues to rise, particularly for European destinations. It will be interesting to see how airlines respond to this demand in the coming months and whether new routes will emerge as a result.

As we prepare for the winter months, what changes do you expect to see in transatlantic travel? #TravelTrends #AviationNews #TransatlanticFlights

FAQs

What is the average number of daily departures from the US and Canada to Europe in October?

This October, the average number of daily scheduled passenger departures from the US and Canada to Europe is 617, which is an increase of 20 departures compared to last year.

Which airport is the busiest for transatlantic flights?

New York JFK remains the busiest airport for transatlantic flights, ranking as the world’s second-busiest airport for long-haul activity.

Why has Toronto moved up in the rankings for European flights?

Toronto has risen to third place due to Air Canada's expansion of flight frequencies, particularly to Southern European cities, and the introduction of new routes.

What is the reason for Boston's increase in European flights?

Boston has benefited from an 11% increase in departures, largely driven by JetBlue's expansion and the extension of Condor's summer season through October.

Have any airports lost European flights recently?

Yes, Stewart Airport has lost its European flights following the end of PLAY's services, which previously offered transatlantic connections.