This is the new airline routes launching in January 2025
- Paul Aage Hegvik
- Jan 4
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 28
As the aviation industry continues to rebound, January 2025 is set to witness the launch of numerous new flight routes, enhancing global connectivity and offering travelers a wider array of options.
Airlines worldwide are expanding their networks to meet the growing demand for air travel. As the world continues to recover from the pandemic, the aviation industry is experiencing a surge in demand for air travel.
Expected to grow steadily
The global trend shows that people are eager to travel again, with airlines reporting rising passenger numbers, new routes, and improved flight schedules. According to industry experts, this demand is expected to grow steadily over the next decade, driven by several factors.
Firstly, a growing middle class in emerging economies is contributing significantly to the increase in air travel. As more people from countries like China, India, and Brazil enter the economic mainstream, the demand for both domestic and international flights is expected to rise sharply. Additionally, the increasing trend of affordable air travel through low-cost carriers has made flying accessible to more people than ever before.
Fuel-efficient aircrafts
Technological advancements, such as the development of more fuel-efficient aircraft, are also playing a crucial role. Airlines are investing in newer, greener planes that are capable of carrying more passengers while reducing carbon emissions. This shift is not only helping the environment but also making air travel more economical, thus encouraging greater demand.
More convenient
Moreover, the ease of travel, with innovations like biometric screening and faster boarding processes, is enhancing the overall passenger experience, making it more convenient for people to fly. Many regions are also building new airports and expanding existing ones to accommodate the influx of passengers, further supporting the growth in air travel demand.
As the world becomes more interconnected, the future of air travel looks promising, with expectations for passenger numbers to rise significantly in the coming years. This growth represents an exciting opportunity for the aviation industry, airlines, and travelers alike.
Japan and Sweden
As the aviation industry continues to expand, several airlines are launching new international routes this January, reflecting the growing demand for global connectivity. Among these developments, All Nippon Airways (ANA) is set to begin its second European route of the year with flights to Stockholm, Sweden, starting on January 31. This marks a significant addition to ANA’s network as it strengthens ties between Japan and Sweden, two countries with robust economic relationships.
The new service will operate three times weekly between Tokyo’s Haneda Airport and Stockholm Arlanda Airport, with flights scheduled on Boeing 787-8 aircraft. This follows ANA’s December launch of flights to Milan Malpensa Airport and precedes its planned service to Istanbul, which will begin in February. Despite Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) shifting its alliance from Star to SkyTeam, ANA's expansion into Stockholm highlights the airline’s commitment to broadening its European presence. Sweden is a crucial trading partner for Japan, with over 150 Swedish companies in Japan and approximately 180 Japanese companies in Sweden, making this route a strategic link for business and tourism.
From Serbia to China
In other European developments, Air Serbia is set to introduce a new Asia-Europe connection with its upcoming service between Belgrade and Shanghai, beginning on January 11. The airline will operate this route twice a week using Airbus A330-200 aircraft. This launch comes just a few months after Air Serbia began flights to Guangzhou in China, underscoring its growing network. However, the airline has suspended its service to Tianjin, China, which had been operational since 2023.
Air Serbia's transformation into a strong and expansive airline can be attributed to several key factors, including strategic decisions, strong regional connections, and effective partnerships.
The Serbian government owns a majority stake in Air Serbia, which has allowed the airline to benefit from substantial state backing. Air Serbia has also benefited from its partnership with Etihad Airways, which initially bought a 49% stake in the airline in 2013.
USA-connections
Delta Air Lines will also be expanding its routes with a new connection between Boston Logan International and São Paulo Guarulhos in Brazil, launching on January 6.
Meanwhile, JetBlue Airways will begin its inaugural service from Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, providing more options for travelers in the New England region.
Qatar Airways and Saudi
Notably, Qatar Airways has resumed operations to Abha International Airport in Saudi Arabia as of January 2, further cementing its presence in the region. The airline now serves 11 destinations in Saudi Arabia with bi-weekly flights from Doha.
ITA with significant precaution
In addition to these expansions, Italy’s ITA Airways is relaunching its flights to Libya, starting on January 12, with twice-weekly services between Rome Fiumicino and Tripoli’s Mitiga International Airport. This route, which was temporarily suspended due to security concerns, is reopening despite the European Union Aviation Safety Agency’s (EASA) advisory on the risks in Libyan airspace. ITA Airways has taken significant precautions, ensuring its operations are conducted in collaboration with local authorities to ensure passenger safety.
These new routes reflect the ongoing resilience of the aviation industry as it adapts to global demand and geopolitical shifts. With airlines focusing on expanding access to both business and leisure destinations, travelers can look forward to more opportunities for international exploration throughout 2025.
