Leading carriers worldwide have revealed plans for new routes and increased frequencies for the upcoming summer travel season of 2025. These enhancements highlight ongoing efforts to strengthen international connections and address growing passenger demand, supporting broader governmental initiatives aimed at boosting tourism, trade, and regional economic development.

TAP Air Portugal Debuts Nonstop Service Between Lisbon and Los Angeles

TAP Air Portugal has launched a new nonstop route linking Lisbon directly with Los Angeles, establishing the only direct connection between these two cities.

The flights will operate three times weekly on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, with a fourth weekly service added on Saturdays starting May 26, 2025. Utilizing Airbus A330-900 aircraft configured with 298 seats, this route expands TAP’s U.S. presence to eight gateways from Lisbon.

In addition, the airline will introduce a stopover in the Azores on one weekly flight to San Francisco beginning June 3, 2025, providing passengers with greater flexibility for transatlantic travel.

WestJet Strengthens Western Canada with New Regional Flights

WestJet is boosting its network in Western Canada by resuming service to Kamloops, British Columbia, with twice-weekly flights, and launching a new twice-weekly route to Prince George, British Columbia, both commencing in early July 2025. These routes will be operated by WestJet Encore using De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400 turboprops.

Additionally, WestJet is increasing capacity to Vancouver Island and the Northwest Territories by upgrading flights to Nanaimo from turboprops to Boeing 737 aircraft, more than doubling available seats. Similarly, Yellowknife flights will be upgraded to 737s twice weekly, reflecting a strategic move to accommodate rising passenger demand.

Delta and United Enhance Transatlantic Offerings to Shannon Airport

Delta Air Lines has reinstated its seasonal summer service between New York JFK and Shannon Airport, Ireland, offering approximately 52,000 seats through September 20, 2025. This represents a seat increase of 5,600 compared to summer 2024.

The route is served by Boeing 767-300ER aircraft configured with four travel classes. United Airlines has also resumed nonstop flights between Chicago and Shannon, providing 44,000 seats until September 24, 2025.

Together with Aer Lingus’s year-round services to Shannon and United’s routes to Boston and New York Newark, Shannon will have over 325,000 transatlantic seats available this summer. These developments align with government efforts to enhance transatlantic air travel and tourism links.

Batik Air Launches New Connection Between Kota Kinabalu and Seoul

Starting September 12, 2025, Batik Air will begin direct flights between Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, and Seoul Incheon, South Korea. The route will operate thrice weekly and aims to boost tourism flows from South Korea to East Malaysia. Kota Kinabalu is emerging as a significant Southeast Asian gateway, having received nearly 152,000 South Korean visitors from January to September 2024.

Meanwhile, South Korea remains a popular destination for Malaysians, with over 300,000 visiting in 2024, according to the Korea Tourism Organization. This route supports bilateral tourism growth and regional connectivity goals.

Finnair Sets Record Winter Schedule to Finnish Lapland

Finnair has announced the largest winter schedule in its history for the 2025/26 season, offering up to 179 weekly flights from Helsinki to Arctic destinations. This includes up to 72 flights weekly to Rovaniemi, featuring as many as 16 daily departures on peak Saturdays.

Flights to Kittilä, Ivalo, and Kuusamo will also increase, addressing demand from travelers seeking experiences like the Northern Lights and winter sports. The expanded schedule promotes regional tourism and accessibility in Finland’s Arctic region.

New Regional Routes in Europe and Africa by Emerging Carriers

SkyAlps, a regional airline, has introduced a twice-weekly service linking Milan Bergamo and Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina, operating on Thursdays and Sundays until October 12, 2025. This route enhances connectivity between Northern Italy and Southeast Europe, fostering economic and cultural ties.

Uganda Airlines has launched four weekly flights between Entebbe and London Gatwick on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, deploying Airbus A330-800 aircraft. Uganda Airlines becomes the first carrier to operate this aircraft type at Gatwick, strengthening trade and tourism connections between Uganda and the UK.

Scoot Increases Flights Between Sydney and Singapore

Scoot will expand its operations at Sydney Airport from October 2025, adding four additional weekly flights to Singapore.

This increase brings total frequencies to two flights daily, operated by Boeing 787-9 aircraft. The expanded service aims to offer travelers greater flexibility and promote continued tourism, trade, and business relations between Australia and Singapore, aligning with governmental economic objectives.

Air Canada Introduces Montréal-Naples Route

Air Canada has commenced nonstop service connecting Montréal with Naples, Italy. This marks Air Canada’s fourth direct link between Canada and Italy.

The flights will operate four times per week using Boeing 787 aircraft. Throughout summer 2025, Air Canada will provide a total of 39 weekly flights between Canada and key Italian cities, including Naples, Milan, Rome, and Venice.

These expansions respond to rising demand for direct travel options across the Atlantic and support stronger Canada-Europe relations.

Image: Aviation Week Network

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