10 New International Airline Routes We're Excited to Fly in 2025

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In 2025, travelers are venturing further around the globe and staying in their destinations longer, signaling a move toward authentic and immersive experiences—a trend also known as “slow travel."

It makes sense then, that airlines are expanding their networks by introducing brand new routes to hard-to-reach destinations like Greenland, one of Condé Nast Traveler's best places to go in 2025, as well as increasing US flights to culturally rich African cities like Dakar, Senegal and Marrakesh, Morocco.

Whether you’re looking to fly across the world—say from Dallas to Australia—or take a short hop over to Canada to experience the natural beauty of Vancouver, the sky is (quite literally) your limit in the new year. Below, we’ve rounded up the new airline routes from the US that we are most excited to fly in 2025.

The first direct route from the US to Greenland

United Airlines is launching a wave of new routes, with none more thrilling than its direct service to Greenland. Starting on June 14, the airline will operate a twice-weekly service between Newark and the capital city of Nuuk during high season. Greenland, the world’s larg'[est island, recently opened a new airport in Nuuk in November and will inaugurate two additional new airports in Ilulissat and Qaqortoq in 2026.

One of the island’s most-visited destinations is the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ilulissat Icefjord, where visitors can witness the calving glaciers and floating icebergs up close. Also worth visiting is the charming town of Qaqortoq, with its vivid houses; the Stone and Man art project, an open-air gallery with more than 40 sculptures carved directly into the bedrock; and the nearby Hvalsey Church ruins, which contains remnants of the ancient Norse settlements that once dotted the Greenlandic landscape.

Delta Airlines from New York to Sicily

With Delta Airlines’ new direct flight to Catania launching in May 2025, Sicily’s eastern coast will become more accessible than ever for US travelers. Situated centrally along this coast at the foot of Mt. Etna, Catania is a historic city founded by Chalcidian Greeks in the 8th century. Travelers can explore the city’s history by visiting the Piazza del Duomo, the Greek-Roman Theater, and La Pescheria fish market.

Just a short journey from Catania lies Taormina, a charming town with awe-inspiring views of Mt. Etna and the Ionian Sea. You can easily spend all of your time wandering along Corso Umberto, Taormina’s upscale pedestrian street. Spanning about a half-mile or a kilometer, it’s where you’ll find an array of chic boutiques and inviting cafés. For those seeking luxury stays, Taormina is the destination for you—with palatial hotels that include the Grand Hotel Timeo, Palazzo Vecchio Taormina, or San Domenico Palace, a Four Seasons Hotel. A new IHG property, the Kimpton Taormina, is set to open in the second half of 2025.

The only direct flight from the US to Marrakech

On October 25, 2024, United Airlines inaugurated a new route from Newark to Marrakech, Morocco, offering three weekly flights on Boeing 767-300(ER) aircraft. At the heart of Marrakech is Djemaa el-Fna square, from which you can weave through a labyrinth of narrow streets brimming with vibrant souks selling spices, textiles, and traditional crafts. For a more relaxed, still popular side of the city, visit the Jardin Majorelle, a stunning botanical garden that houses the Yves Saint Laurent Museum.

Morocco's vast tilemaking and design heritage is reflected throughout the city, including inside its most lavish hotels, La Mamounia and Royal Mansour Marrakech. On the city's outskirts, you'll find exceptional properties like the new Park Hyatt Marrakech and Jnane Tamsna, Morocco’s first Black-owned hotel. When visiting Marrakech, experiencing at least one riad is a must. These traditional Moroccan houses feature a central courtyard typically surrounded by fewer than ten rooms. The most beautiful riads in Marrakech provide a memorable and authentic stay in the heart of Marrakech’s medina.

From the Windy City to the Eternal City

Starting in 2025, travelers from Chicago O'Hare will have two new direct routes to Rome, courtesy of American Airlines, launching in March, and ITA Airways, launching in May. These routes coincide with the Jubilee Year, an event announced by the Vatican that will draw 30 to 35 million visitors next year. Rome will also unveil its Metro C extension in 2025, with new stations at landmarks such as the Colosseum and Piazza Venezia. Plus, the city is also in the process of restoring iconic sites like the Trevi Fountain.

Adding to Rome's allure in 2025 are a host of luxury accommodations. The Singer Palace Hotel, an elegant 30-room boutique property, is just steps from Piazza Venezia and the bustling Via del Corso. New luxury hotels slated to open in 2025 include the Bulgari Hotel Roma, Rosewood Rome, and Six Senses Rome.

United Airlines from Washington, DC to Dakar, Senegal

When United Airlines’ inaugural route from Washington, DC, to Dakar, Senegal, launches in May 2025, it will bridge two vibrant cultural capitals. Travelers to Dakar will find abundant historical and cultural attractions, starting with Gorée Island. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, containing La Maison des Esclaves (House of Slaves), bears witness to the transatlantic slave trade and provides a poignant reminder of a somber period in history.

Dakar's natural attractions include N'Gor Island’s serene beaches, and Lake Retba, or the Pink Lake, where the high salinity and algae concentration result in the rare phenomenon of pink-hued waters. The city is an excellent destination for art lovers, with the Museum of Black Civilisations, showcasing an extensive collection celebrating African art and history. Preparations are underway for 2026 when the city will host the 4th Summer Youth Olympic Games.

The first route between Nashville and Vancouver

As Vancouver, Canada, gears up to host some of the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup matches, exciting new airline routes are being introduced. Starting May 1, 2025, Air Canada will operate a seasonal service from Nashville to Vancouver four times a week through October. Additionally, low-cost carrier WestJet will launch a new service between these cities in April.

Visitors can delve into Vancouver's history and culture by exploring Gastown, Granville Island, and the Museum of Anthropology, which highlights the region’s Indigenous communities. Stanley Park, the city’s largest green space, offers scenic trails, the Vancouver Aquarium, and the popular Seawall. For accommodations, travelers can choose from several elegant Fairmont properties, including the Fairmont Waterfront, Fairmont Pacific Rim, and Fairmont Vancouver. In 2025, Esquimalt’s Old English Inn will reopen as Rosemead House, following an extensive restoration, and feature 28 guest rooms, long-term stay suites, the Janevca Kitchen and Lounge, and the Salt and Ivy Spa.

Venturing beyond Vancouver to appreciate the region’s natural beauty is highly recommended. Grouse Mountain is set to unveil a mountain bike park and mountain coaster, accessible via a new gondola. Whistler, less than two hours away, is a year-round destination for winter sports, fall foliage, and hiking.

From Dallas and Los Angeles to Brisbane, Australia

Two major US airlines have recently introduced new routes to Brisbane, Australia. Delta Airlines now offers three weekly flights from Los Angeles, while American Airlines operates six weekly flights from Dallas-Fort Worth. Upon arrival in Brisbane, explore South Bank, the city's top entertainment district. This cultural hub features lush parklands, the Queensland Cultural Centre, and Streets Beach, the only inner-city man-made beach in Australia. For those seeking an exhilarating challenge, the Story Bridge Adventure Climb provides stunning panoramic views of the city. The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary offers a unique experience where you can interact with cuddly koalas and feed kangaroos.

When it comes to accommodations, the W Brisbane is a stylish and contemporary option located along the riverfront. The Emporium Hotel South Bank exudes five-star luxury and has a fabulous rooftop bar perfect for enjoying the cityscape.

Emirates’ fifth-freedom route from Miami to Bogotá

In June 2024, Emirates began its most recent fifth-freedom flight with daily service between Miami International Airport (MIA) and Bogotá’s El Dorado International Airport (BOG). Colombia’s dynamic capital city is a sprawling metropolis filled with modern skyscrapers, street art, and an incredible food scene.

Wander through the bustling Paloquemao Market to browse local goods and sample tropical fruits like lulo. For breathtaking aerial views, take a cable car up Monserrate Hill or enjoy happy hour at a rooftop bar, such as Sky 15 Rooftop at the Hilton Bogotá. The historic Four Seasons Hotel Casa Medina Bogota is one of the city’s top luxury hotels, offering easy access to high-end boutiques, gourmet restaurants, and nightlife.

KLM from San Diego to Amsterdam

Beginning May 8, 2025, KLM will offer three weekly flights between San Diego and Amsterdam. For the quintessential Dutch experience, rent a bike to navigate the city center and parks like Vondelpark. Take a scenic boat tour through Amsterdam’s grand canals, visit the Anne Frank House, and marvel at masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Van Gogh at the renowned Rijksmuseum.

For a glimpse into traditional Dutch life, venture just outside the city to the windmills at Zaanse Schans. Consider taking a day trip to The Hague, home to the Peace Palace, which houses the United Nations International Court of Justice. If you're visiting in the springtime, don’t miss the colorful, blooming tulip fields at Keukenhof, located between Amsterdam and The Hague.

Orlando to Paris on Air France

After the excitement of hosting the 2024 Paris Olympics, the City of Light remains a top destination for travelers in 2025. The city's most anticipated attraction is undoubtedly the Notre-Dame Cathedral, which just reopened following an extensive restoration from the devastating 2019 fire. And for the first time in a decade, Air France will be resuming its nonstop service between Orlando and Paris, operating four times weekly beginning on May 21, 2025.

While Paris is a museum lover's dream, filled with grand galleries at the Louvre, Centre Pompidou, and Musée d'Orsay, one lesser-known museum, the Jacquemart-André Museum, is also reopening in 2025 after a one-year renovation. This museum houses one of Paris’ finest private art collections and offers weekend brunches at Restaurant Le Nélie, including a delectable array of viennoiseries, egg casseroles, and more.

The city is always abuzz with new hotel openings each year. Come March 2025, L’Aventure Hotel will open its doors in the shadow of the iconic Arc de Triomphe. In the 7th arrondissement, Hotel Sax Paris will become the latest addition to the district’s luxury hotel scene, featuring a rooftop terrace with views of the Eiffel Tower.

Originally Appeared on Condé Nast Traveler

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