Sunday, May 25, 2025
United Airlines is ending its Newark to Tenerife route, which initially began as a seasonal service in June 2022. The route’s performance was impacted by low demand and low profitability, leading to its cancellation.
With the summer season approaching, airlines are actively revising their flight schedules to ensure they meet the increased demand of July and August. As the travel landscape continues to evolve, airlines are balancing high seasonality with operational constraints and profitability. Recent reports from aviation analytics firm Cirium reveal that eight routes will be removed from the schedules of six airlines in May 2025, highlighting the industry’s ongoing efforts to optimize operations and resources.
Routes Affected by Strategic Airline Changes
Several well-known carriers are adjusting their flight offerings due to factors such as low demand, operational inefficiencies, and fluctuating profitability. Here’s an overview of the routes impacted by these changes.
United Airlines Discontinues Newark to Tenerife Service
United Airlines has decided to end its Newark to Tenerife route, which was initially launched as a seasonal service in June 2022. Although the airline extended the service into the winter months in 2024, the route experienced challenges with passenger loads and profitability. The route saw high occupancy in peak months like August 2024, reaching 84%, but overall average load factors for the year were only 67%. The route primarily attracted leisure travelers, which typically generate lower revenue, ultimately leading to its removal from the schedule.
Here is a simplified version of the table:
| Airline | Origin (US) | Destination (Europe) | Weekly frequency (April) | Reason for cut |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United Airlines | Newark | Tenerife South | 3 | Low demand |
| Norse Atlantic | Miami | Oslo | 1 | Unclear, likely low demand |
| Norse Atlantic | Miami | Berlin | 3 | Unclear, likely low demand |
| Lufthansa | Minneapolis | Frankfurt | 3 | Switched to Discover Airlines |
| Lufthansa | Miami | Munich | 6 | Summer seasonal |
| KLM Royal Dutch Airlines | Miami | Amsterdam | 3 | Summer seasonal |
| Aer Lingus | Las Vegas | Dublin | 3 | Summer seasonal |
| American Airlines | Miami | Paris Charles de Gaulle | 7 | Boeing 787 delivery delays |
Norse Atlantic Airways Cuts Miami to Oslo and Berlin Routes
The Oslo route, which was offered year-round since September 2023, and the Berlin route, a seasonal service that launched in December 2023, both struggled to meet performance targets in 2024. With poor load factors and low passenger demand, Norse Atlantic has opted to suspend these routes in favor of focusing on more profitable markets.
Here is a simplified version of the table:
| Destination | Average load (2024) |
|---|---|
| Berlin | 78% |
| Oslo | 76% |
| London Gatwick | 71% |
Lufthansa Shifts Frankfurt to Minneapolis Route to Discover Airlines
This move follows a period of underperformance, with the route achieving just a 76% load factor in 2024. Discover Airlines will take over the route in May 2025, operating it seasonally rather than year-round. The transfer reflects a broader strategy by legacy carriers to optimize their route networks by offloading lower-yield services to budget carriers.
Reasons Behind These Airline Route Changes
Several key factors contribute to the adjustments being made by airlines, including low passenger demand, profitability concerns, and seasonal fluctuations. These factors underscore the ongoing challenge of balancing demand with the operational costs of running long-haul and seasonal services.
Passenger Demand and Profitability Challenges
A significant factor behind these route cancellations is low passenger demand, as seen with United’s Tenerife service and Norse Atlantic’s Oslo and Berlin routes. Although these destinations attracted some travelers, the routes were unable to generate enough revenue to justify their continuation. Airlines typically evaluate both load factors (the number of occupied seats) and yield (the revenue per passenger). For example, while Tenerife is a popular vacation spot, the low-yield nature of leisure travel meant that United could not sustain the route financially.
Shifting Routes to Lower-Cost Subsidiaries
In an effort to streamline operations and reduce costs, many legacy carriers are shifting less profitable routes to their low-cost subsidiaries. Lufthansa’s decision to move the Minneapolis route to Discover Airlines is a prime example of this strategy. By utilizing budget-friendly carriers like Discover Airlines, Lufthansa can maintain a presence in key markets without incurring the higher operational costs typically associated with full-service offerings. This approach is becoming increasingly common in the industry as airlines look for ways to stay competitive while maximizing profitability.
The Challenges of Operating Seasonal Routes
Seasonal routes often present a unique set of challenges. While they can be highly profitable during peak travel seasons, they often struggle to maintain demand during the off-season. United’s Tenerife route, for example, performed well in the summer months but faltered during the winter. These fluctuations make it difficult for airlines to ensure consistent profitability, which is why some seasonal services are being discontinued.
How Passengers are Affected by These Changes
Passengers looking to book flights on the affected routes will need to adjust their plans. The suspension of several popular routes may limit travel options to specific destinations, forcing travelers to consider alternate routes or airlines.
Flexibility and Awareness: Key Strategies for Travelers
With frequent changes to flight schedules, passengers are advised to remain flexible and informed about their travel options. Staying updated on route changes and being prepared to adjust plans will help travelers navigate the evolving airline landscape. While these changes may cause inconvenience, they also provide an opportunity to explore new routes or airlines that better suit current travel needs.
Airlines Adapt to Market Demands and Operational Realities
These route cancellations reflect a broader industry trend of aligning flight networks with market realities. Airlines must continue to adapt to shifting demand, profitability concerns, and operational efficiencies. By adjusting their route offerings, airlines are ensuring they maintain a competitive edge while keeping their operations financially viable.
Conclusion: The Evolution of the Airline Industry’s Route Networks
As the airline industry continues to recover and adapt to the challenges of a post-pandemic world, route adjustments will remain a key part of maintaining sustainable operations. These ongoing changes highlight the need for airlines to remain flexible and responsive to passenger demand and profitability considerations. While some routes may be removed, others will emerge as airlines continue to optimize their networks for both operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. For passengers, staying informed and being flexible will be essential in navigating the evolving airline landscape.
