Airlines Expand Networks with New Routes and Services
Several airlines have announced new routes and services, expanding their networks and offering more travel options. PLAY will introduce direct flights from Göteborg Landvetter to Reykjavik, while Swiss International Airlines is adding Beirut to its route network. Meanwhile, Spirit Airlines has started serving Manchester-Boston Regional, and Volotea has won a tender to operate six routes from Sardinia.
PLAY will commence direct flights from Göteborg Landvetter to Reykjavik starting May 20, 2022, operating 2-3 days per week between May and September. Swiss International Airlines is expanding its route network with the addition of Beirut (BEY) in the coming winter schedules, with two flights per week from Zurich (ZRH). Spirit Airlines has become the first new airline at Manchester-Boston Regional (MHT) in 17 years, starting services at the Massachusetts airport.
In Australia, Sydney-Coffs Harbour services will start on Nov. 11, with Melbourne services following on Nov. 18 and running until April 25, 2022. Volotea has won a tender to operate six routes from the regional government of Sardinia, connecting Cagliari (CAG), Olbia (OLB) and Alghero (AHO) with Rome Fiumicino (FCO) and Milan Linate (LIN). Air Canada has unveiled its planned summer 2022 schedule for Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and India, including returning to key summer seasonal destinations. Virgin Australia is reintroducing services from Sydney (SYD) and Melbourne (MEL) to Coffs Harbour (CFS) with up to 21 return services each week, and plans to launch three new services to the Gold Coast (OOL) in December, including the first commercial flights linking Launceston (LST) and the Gold Coast in more than two decades. The new services will provide over 14,500 seats per month to Coffs Harbour.
Delta Air Lines will resume direct flights from New York John F Kennedy (JFK) to Prague (PRG) in the Czech Republic, effective May 26, 2022. Air Astana is launching a 2X-weekly route from Almaty (ALA) to Phuket (HKT) in Thailand, starting on Oct. 31.
These new routes and services offer travelers more options and connectivity, making it easier to explore new destinations. The expansion also reflects the airlines' confidence in the recovery of the travel industry.
