New long-haul flights connect key cities across continents
- Paul Aage Hegvik
- Mar 26
- 2 min read
Several major airlines are expanding their long-haul networks in 2025, adding new routes that enhance connectivity between Asia, Europe, and North America.
Sichuan Airlines: Direct flights to Madrid
Sichuan Airlines will begin direct flights between Chengdu Tianfu International Airport and Madrid Barajas Airport from April 27, 2025. This new route will operate four times weekly using Airbus A350-900 aircraft.
It will be the only nonstop connection between Chengdu and Madrid, further strengthening Sichuan Airlines’ growing European network, which already includes cities like Istanbul, Rome, Moscow, and St. Petersburg. This is according to Aviation Week.
Starlux Airlines: Expanding across the U.S.
Taiwan-based Starlux Airlines is rapidly expanding its presence in North America:
Flights between Taipei and Los Angeles will increase to 10 per week starting December 22, 2024, with new departures every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday.
A new route between Taipei and Seattle began in August 2024, operating three times a week on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
A third U.S. route will open in June 2025, connecting Taipei with Ontario International Airport in California.
These new services are operated with Airbus A350 aircraft and aim to strengthen the airline’s position in the premium long-haul market.
Royal Jordanian: New services to the U.S. and India
Royal Jordanian is also growing its international reach with two major expansions:
On March 23, 2025, the airline will launch a twice-weekly nonstop flight between Amman and Washington, D.C., creating a new direct link between Jordan and the U.S. capital.
After a ten-year absence from the Indian market, Royal Jordanian will resume services to Mumbai on April 16 and to Delhi on September 16. Both routes will operate four times per week.
These new flights reflect Royal Jordanian’s goal of reconnecting key global cities and serving business, tourism, and diaspora communities.
Together, these route launches mark a strong push toward global recovery and growth in international travel, particularly between Asia, Europe, and North America.
Key facts about the three airlines
Sichuan Airlines
Founded: September 19, 1986
Operations commenced: July 14, 1988
Employees: Around 1,800
Fleet Size: 178 aircraft (all Airbus models)
Destinations: Over 270 domestic, regional, and international routes
Starlux Airlines
Founded: May 2, 2018
Operations commenced: January 23, 2020
Employees: Around 800
Fleet Size: 26 aircraft, including Airbus A321neo, A330-900, and A350-900
Destinations: 23 routes across Asia and North America
Royal Jordanian
Founded: December 9, 1963
Employees: Estimated in the thousands
Fleet Size: Over 20 aircraft, including Boeing 787, Airbus A320 family, and Embraer jets
Destinations: More than 40 cities across four continents
