By: Aviation Co.

The travel landscape is constantly evolving, and 2025 is shaping up to be a banner year for adventurous flyers. With airlines expanding their global reach and responding to rising demand for unique and under-the-radar destinations, several exciting new routes are launching that could change how (and where) you travel next.

Whether you’re tracking global network expansions or just enjoy staying ahead of industry shifts, here are 10 new airline routes launching in 2025 that we think are worth noting.

Quick Reference: New Airline Routes Launching in 2025

AirlineRouteLaunch DateAircraftFrequency
Delta Air LinesNew York (JFK) – Palermo, ItalyJune 2025Not specifiedSeasonal nonstop
United AirlinesLos Angeles (LAX) – Brisbane, AustraliaJuly 2025Wide-body aircraftNot specified
American AirlinesChicago (ORD) – Rio de Janeiro, BrazilDecember 2025Not specifiedNonstop
EVA AirSeattle (SEA) – Taipei, TaiwanSpring 2025Not specifiedNonstop
American AirlinesDallas-Fort Worth (DFW) – Barcelona, SpainSummer 2025Not specifiedSeasonal nonstop
JetBlueBoston (BOS) – Edinburgh, ScotlandMay 2025Not specifiedNonstop
IcelandairNashville (BNA) – Reykjavík, IcelandMay 16, 2025Not specifiedFour times weekly (summer season)
Frontier AirlinesAtlanta (ATL) – Multiple destinationsMay–June 2025Not specifiedNew routes; frequency varies
United AirlinesDenver (DEN) – Tokyo Haneda (HND)Late 2025Not specifiedNonstop
Delta Air LinesDetroit (DTW) – Dublin (DUB)May 8, 2025Airbus A330-200Four times weekly
1. New York (JFK) to Palermo, Italy — Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines is launching a new seasonal nonstop service between New York-JFK and Palermo starting in June 2025. This addition expands Delta’s presence in Italy, offering direct access to Sicily’s cultural heritage, historic sites, and coastal attractions.

Palermo, the island’s capital, is known for its rich history and vibrant markets. The route is expected to cater to both leisure travelers seeking authentic Mediterranean experiences and business travelers. This nonstop service provides a convenient alternative to connecting flights through other European hubs.

2. Los Angeles (LAX) to Brisbane, Australia — United Airlines

United Airlines will begin nonstop flights from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Brisbane in July 2025. This new route opens up access to Queensland, including the Great Barrier Reef and surrounding natural parks, making it a key connection for tourists and business travelers alike.

It marks United’s first direct service to Brisbane from the U.S., expanding options for travelers seeking destinations beyond Sydney and Melbourne. The flight will operate with wide-body aircraft offering premium cabin services. This service is part of United’s broader strategy to strengthen its Asia-Pacific network.

3. Chicago (ORD) to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil — American Airlines

American Airlines is introducing a new nonstop flight between Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Rio de Janeiro starting December 2025. This route increases connectivity between the Midwest and Brazil’s vibrant cultural and economic hub, providing easier access for both leisure travelers and corporate clients.

The service is expected to see strong demand during the winter months and Carnival season, which attract visitors worldwide. It also complements American’s existing South American routes, helping diversify its international offerings. Travelers will benefit from American’s extensive network and onboard amenities.

4. Seattle (SEA) to Taipei, Taiwan — EVA Air

EVA Air is adding Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to its global network with nonstop flights to Taipei starting in spring 2025. This new route provides Pacific Northwest travelers with direct access to Taiwan’s capital city, a major economic and cultural center in East Asia.

Passengers can also connect seamlessly to other destinations throughout Asia via EVA Air’s hub in Taipei. The airline is known for its high-quality service and premium cabins, making it an attractive option for both business and leisure travelers. This addition reflects growing demand for Asia-Pacific travel from the Seattle region.

5. Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) to Barcelona, Spain — American Airlines

American Airlines will begin seasonal nonstop flight service between Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Barcelona in Summer 2025. The route provides direct access to one of Spain’s most important cultural and economic centers, known for its architecture, beaches, and business opportunities.

It is expected to serve a mix of leisure travelers seeking Mediterranean experiences and professionals attending conferences or business meetings. The flight expands American’s transatlantic network, offering convenient connections throughout the U.S. and Europe. The seasonal schedule aims to meet peak travel demand during the summer months.

6. Boston (BOS) to Edinburgh, Scotland — JetBlue

JetBlue is launching its first nonstop service to Scotland with flights from Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) to Edinburgh starting in May 2025. This new transatlantic route provides convenient access to Scotland’s capital, a city known for its historic landmarks, festivals, and vibrant cultural scene.

Passengers can use Edinburgh as a gateway to the rest of the UK and Europe, with JetBlue’s connections throughout the United States. The service will enhance travel options for both leisure tourists and business travelers. It also marks JetBlue’s continued expansion of its transatlantic footprint.

7. Nashville (BNA) to Reykjavík, Iceland — Icelandair

Starting May 16, 2025, Icelandair will operate seasonal nonstop flights between Nashville International Airport (BNA) and Reykjavík’s Keflavík International Airport (KEF). This route offers Music City travelers direct access to Iceland’s unique landscapes and serves as a convenient hub for connecting flights to over 30 destinations across Europe. The service runs four times weekly during the summer season and is expected to attract both leisure travelers interested in nature and business passengers.

Icelandair’s flights include options for premium cabins and baggage, catering to a range of traveler preferences. This route strengthens Nashville’s international connectivity and adds to Icelandair’s growing North American network.

8. Frontier Airlines Expands Atlanta Operations with Nine New Routes

Frontier Airlines is boosting its footprint at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) by adding nine new routes in May and June 2025. This expansion grows Frontier’s destination count from Atlanta to 52 and represents a 40% increase in departures compared to last year.

New domestic destinations include Oklahoma City, Kansas City, and St. Louis, while international additions feature sunny spots like Oranjestad in Aruba and San Pedro Sula in Honduras. This move cements Frontier’s commitment to making Atlanta a key hub in its growing low-cost network.

9. Denver (DEN) to Tokyo Haneda (HND) — United Airlines

United Airlines is launching a highly anticipated transpacific nonstop from Denver International Airport (DEN) to Tokyo’s Haneda Airport (HND) in late 2025. This new route will strengthen Denver’s position as an international gateway, providing Rocky Mountain travelers with more convenient access to Japan.

Haneda’s proximity to downtown Tokyo makes it a preferred airport for both business and leisure visitors. The service will open fresh opportunities for cultural and economic connections between the U.S. interior and Asia.

10. Detroit (DTW) to Dublin (DUB) — Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines began operating a new nonstop route from Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) to Dublin Airport (DUB) on May 8, 2025. Flying four times a week aboard Airbus A330-200 aircraft, this route is Delta’s fifth direct U.S.-Ireland connection, serving Michigan’s sizable Irish-American community.

Dublin Airport’s U.S. preclearance facility makes connecting through Detroit seamless and efficient for travelers. The route is part of Delta’s broader transatlantic network expansion for summer 2025, enhancing accessibility between the Midwest and Europe.

Opening up new travel possibilities

With new routes opening up more nonstop options and hidden gems, 2025 is looking like an ideal time to book that long-awaited adventure. Several of these new U.S. airline routes are expected to feature competitive one-way fares at launch, offering flexibility for travelers planning multi-leg itineraries or looking to optimize aircraft utilization patterns across networks.

Which new route do you think will make the biggest impact? Are there any strategic city pairs you’re hoping to see added next? Dive into discussions like this on The Aviation Co., a space for aviation lovers, frequent flyers, and pros to connect.

FAQs

Q: Which airlines are adding new routes in 2025?
A: Airlines adding routes include Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, American Airlines, EVA Air, JetBlue, Icelandair, and Frontier Airlines.

Q: What are the most exciting destinations being added?
A: Notable destinations include Palermo (Italy), Brisbane (Australia), Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), Taipei (Taiwan), Barcelona (Spain), Edinburgh (Scotland), Reykjavík (Iceland), Tokyo Haneda (Japan), Dublin (Ireland), and several domestic and Caribbean destinations via Frontier Airlines.

Q: When do the new 2025 airline routes launch?
A: Launch dates range throughout 2025: May (Edinburgh, Reykjavík), June (Palermo), July (Brisbane), late 2025 (Tokyo Haneda), December (Rio de Janeiro), with Frontier’s new routes launching in May and June.

Q: Will low-cost airlines add international routes in 2025?
A: Yes. Frontier Airlines is expanding its Atlanta hub with several new international routes, including Oranjestad, Aruba, and San Pedro Sula, Honduras, marking a notable step into international service for the carrier.