NORFOLK- In the evolving landscape of international air travel, several significant US metropolitan markets remain without direct connections to Europe, presenting both challenges and opportunities for airlines and airports alike.
Recent data from the Norfolk Airport Authority reveals the top underserved transatlantic markets, with Kansas City International Airport (MCI) leading the pack at 215,614 annual passengers.
Kansas City tops the list with nearly 216,000 passengers annually traveling to European destinations through connecting flights, representing a robust 294.6 Passengers Daily Each Way (PDEW).
Following closely is Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, with 212,503 annual passengers seeking European connections.
Jacksonville, Florida, and Columbus, Ohio, round out the top five with 176,172 and 173,911 passengers respectively.
Emerging Patterns: An interesting trend reported by Ishrion Aviation has emerged in recent years, with one mid-sized U.S. airport annually securing its inaugural European service:
Market Potential: Other significant markets awaiting their first transatlantic service include:
The data suggests substantial untapped potential in these markets, with each city showing significant numbers of passengers making connecting flights to reach European destinations. For airlines, these figures represent an opportunity to establish new routes and capture market share in underserved regions.
Industry experts are now watching closely to see which of these markets might be next to secure their first transatlantic service, as the pattern of yearly additions to the transatlantic route map continues to evolve.
Also Read Air Canada Adds New Flights to Europe and US for Summer 2025
Aer Lingus continues its ambitious growth strategy with the announcement of two new U.S. routes for Summer 2025. The Irish flag carrier is set to launch services to Nashville (4-weekly from April 12) and Indianapolis (4-weekly from May 3), further strengthening Dublin’s position as a major transatlantic hub.
Network Evolution 2010-2024: The data from Air Service One reveals remarkable growth patterns among European carriers serving U.S. destinations:
Aer Lingus’s Strategic Expansion: The Irish carrier’s recent growth includes:
By 2025, Aer Lingus is projected to serve 18 U.S. destinations from Dublin, assuming all current routes are maintained. This puts them on par with Lufthansa’s Frankfurt operation, marking a remarkable achievement for a carrier from a significantly smaller home market.
Market Dynamics:
While Aer Lingus approaches capacity limits at Dublin, Turkish Airlines maintains significant growth potential at Istanbul’s new airport, suggesting continued expansion possibilities.
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