Eight US airports connect to just one European destination

Key Takeaways

• Eight US airports will connect only to one European city in 2025, highlighting airline strategy changes.
• Anchorage uniquely offers its single European route to Frankfurt with both Condor and Discover Airlines.
• Some mid-sized airports recently regained direct Europe flights, such as Indianapolis to Dublin starting May 2025.

A new analysis has identified eight US airports that offer passengers a direct link to just one European destination as of 2025. This simple fact highlights bigger changes in how airlines connect the United States 🇺🇸 and Europe 🇪🇺. While major airports like New York JFK or Chicago O’Hare offer routes to many European cities, these regional or mid-sized airports now serve only a single point across the Atlantic. The airports in question are Anchorage, Cleveland, Fort Myers, Hartford, Indianapolis, New Orleans, St Louis, and Stewart. Despite past periods with broader transatlantic choices, these airports now rely on just one link abroad, reflecting shifting airline strategies and passenger demand.

Let’s explore the reasons behind this trend, the passenger experience at these airports, and what the future may hold for travelers and the cities involved.

Which US Airports Have Just One Link to Europe?

According to recent reports, the following eight airports are currently the only ones in the United States 🇺🇸 with scheduled passenger flights to just one European city:

• Anchorage (ANC): Flights to Frankfurt 🇩🇪, operated by both Condor and Discover Airlines.
• Cleveland (CLE): Flights to Dublin 🇮🇪, operated by Aer Lingus.
• Fort Myers (RSW): Flights to Düsseldorf 🇩🇪, operated by Eurowings.
• Hartford (BDL): Flights to Dublin 🇮🇪, operated by Aer Lingus.
• Indianapolis (IND): Flights to Dublin 🇮🇪, newly launched by Aer Lingus in May 2025.
• New Orleans (MSY): Flights to Frankfurt 🇩🇪, operated by Condor.
  – St Louis (STL): Flights to Frankfurt 🇩🇪, operated by Lufthansa.
• Stewart (SWF): Flights to Reykjavik/Keflavik 🇮🇸, operated by PLAY Airlines.

While most of these cities have just one airline serving the lone European route, Anchorage stands out as an exception—it maintains its single European link to Frankfurt, but is served by two separate carriers.

Why Do Only a Few US Airports Offer a Single European Route?

The answer lies in several factors that have changed global air travel patterns in recent years. In particular, the following points stand out:

• Airline business models have shifted. Many airlines now prefer to focus on large “hub” airports with lots of connecting passengers, leaving smaller or mid-sized airports with fewer direct international routes.
• Demand and profitability are major drivers. For a long-haul flight across the Atlantic to work, there must be enough people wanting to travel that route. When numbers drop or fluctuate, airlines may cut back to just one European destination or none at all.
• Aircraft technology has improved, making it technically possible to fly smaller planes long distances, but running such routes still requires steady demand year-round.
• Competition from connecting flights. Travelers from smaller cities often use major hubs to reach Europe, making it harder for their “home” airport to keep direct links to more than one city abroad.

Analysis from VisaVerge.com suggests that while mid-sized airports have sometimes enjoyed increased flights to Europe during travel booms, these routes are quick to disappear if airlines spot better chances elsewhere.

The Role of Anchorage in This Trend

Anchorage International Airport illustrates the challenges and exceptions of this pattern. Despite its location far north in Alaska, Anchorage does have transatlantic service—but only to Frankfurt, operated by Condor and Discover Airlines. This connection is especially popular during the summer months, when tourists flock to Alaska 🇺🇸 and some Germans have family or business interests there.

In this case, Anchorage acts as a unique bridge between the United States 🇺🇸 and Europe 🇩🇪. Still, even with two airlines serving the same route, Anchorage does not have direct service to any other European city. If you want to reach London 🇬🇧, Amsterdam 🇳🇱, or Paris 🇫🇷 from Anchorage, you’ll have to change planes along the way.

How Did We Get Here? A Brief Look at the Past

Years ago, many of these airports had more than just one European arrival or departure. For example:
– Cleveland once had flights to London and Munich.
– Hartford saw service to Amsterdam and Edinburgh.
– Fort Myers was connected to Munich as well as Düsseldorf.

What changed? A lot has to do with how airlines plan flights. In the past, the rise of new long-haul planes made launching adventurous new routes possible. Some airlines also wanted to grow quickly and tried out many city pairs. However, if the seats weren’t filled or if another market looked stronger, these carriers quickly shifted their planes elsewhere.

After the COVID-19 pandemic, the air travel industry changed further. Airlines became more careful about where to fly, focusing on routes with the highest, most steady demand. Many direct flights from mid-sized American airports to Europe went away and have not returned.

This pattern is not fixed forever—routes can appear and disappear as airlines make new plans. Still, for now, these eight airports each have just one gateway to Europe.

What’s It Like for Travelers at These Airports?

For people flying from airports like Anchorage, Cleveland, or Fort Myers, this one-route arrangement has both good and bad points.

Advantages

• Simplicity: Fewer choices can mean less confusion for travelers. If you want to go directly to Europe from Anchorage, for example, you know your only option is Frankfurt with either Condor or Discover.
• Focus of Service: The airline flying the single link may give special attention to making the route a success, offering better service or unique amenities.
• Direct Access: Residents of these cities don’t have to connect at a big, crowded hub just to reach at least one part of Europe directly.

Challenges

• Limited Options: If your actual European destination isn’t Frankfurt or Dublin, you’ll need a connecting flight, which can add time and trouble.
• Seasonal Schedules: Some of these routes only operate during certain seasons, such as summer, limiting year-round travel choices.
• Fewer Airlines, Less Competition: With one or only a few airlines on the route, ticket prices may be higher and there are fewer chances to find different flight times.

How Have Airline Strategies Changed?

Airlines look at many factors when deciding where to fly. Some airports grow their European links, especially when tourism or business demand grows. Others see cutbacks due to changes in the local economy or competition from other airports.

Aircraft have become more fuel-efficient, and new “smaller” long-haul planes make it easier for airlines to try routes from non-hub airports. Even so, if a flight doesn’t fill enough seats—especially with business travelers who pay higher fares—it may disappear quickly from the schedule.

As noted in the report, only Anchorage among the eight airports has two different airlines running the same European route, but both serve just Frankfurt. For the others, it’s a single city and airline.

For travelers and local communities, the presence—or loss—of a direct European flight can shape economic ties, tourism, and even how a city is viewed by the world.

What Opportunities Remain for Growth?

Not all hope is lost for expanding transatlantic links from these airports. New developments could tip the balance in the future:
– Growth in Demand: As cities like Indianapolis or Hartford attract more business activity or tourism, more flights may follow.
– Special Events or Partnerships: Local governments sometimes work with airlines to start new routes by offering incentives or supporting marketing efforts.
– Changing Traveler Expectations: As more people ask for direct flights and airlines get better at matching their planes to the size of the market, additional connections could pop up.

The return of Aer Lingus flights between Indianapolis and Dublin in May 2025 is a good example. After a few years with no transatlantic service, Indianapolis now once again has a direct link to Europe. This could encourage other cities and airlines to rethink their strategies.

A Snapshot of the Current Situation

Here is a simple overview table, which shows each airport’s single European route:

Remember, these offerings can change as airlines review their schedules for each season. Some routes may expand or disappear based on business choices and travel demand.

What Does This Mean for Local Economies and Communities?

Direct transatlantic air service is about much more than just convenience. For regions served by these eight airports, even one European link can:
– Bring in tourism dollars, helping hotels, restaurants, and attractions.
– Support local business growth, making it easier for companies to connect with partners in Europe.
– Link families and communities, especially where there are strong ties between the US city and a European region.

Losing such a connection can feel like a setback, while gaining or regaining one can create excitement and hope for further growth.

Different Views on the Shift

Not everyone agrees about how important it is to have direct US-Europe flights from mid-sized airports. Some experts argue that focusing on major hubs is more efficient and allows airlines to keep ticket prices lower due to scale. Others say that even one direct route is a lifeline for areas that might otherwise feel left out.

Travelers sometimes talk about the extra hassle of having to route through airports like New York JFK or Chicago, especially with tight connections and the risk of missed flights. Still, many accept this as part of the reality of international travel today.

What Should Passengers Know About These Routes?

• Double-check schedules: Seasonal changes can affect whether the route is available when you want to travel.
• Compare fares: With fewer choices, prices may be higher, so check the possible cost trade-off with connecting flights.
• Consider your destination: If you aren’t heading to Frankfurt, Dublin, Düsseldorf, or Keflavik, be ready to switch planes in Europe.

For more details about US airport routes, immigration procedures, or current flight schedules, you can always check the official US Department of Transportation website for up-to-date information.

Looking Ahead

The story of these airports is not fixed in stone. As travel patterns shift and technology evolves, the number of US airports with just one European route could rise or fall. Communities, airlines, and passengers all play a part in shaping that future.

If your local airport fits this profile—like Anchorage, with its unique place among US airports—keep watching for changes. As the world becomes more connected, even small shifts in demand or air travel policy could bring new European destinations within reach once again.

In summary, as reported by VisaVerge.com, these eight airports serve as a small but important window onto larger patterns in air travel and international links. For passengers, each route offers a simple but powerful gateway between two continents. For cities and regions, it can mean new chances for business, friendship, and shared experiences across the Atlantic.

Learn Today

Transatlantic → Refers to flights or connections crossing the Atlantic Ocean, especially between the United States and Europe in this context.
Hub Airport → A major airport where airlines concentrate operations, offering many connections and acting as a transfer point for passengers.
Seasonal Schedule → Flight routes or services available only during certain parts of the year, often adjusted based on travel demand.
Passenger Demand → The number of travelers seeking to fly a particular route, critical in determining if airlines keep or drop services.
Direct Flight → A nonstop flight between two cities, with no intermediate stops or plane changes, making travel quicker and simpler.

This Article in a Nutshell

In 2025, eight US airports will serve just one European city. These limited links illustrate a shift as airlines focus on major hubs and adjust to changing demand. While simplifying some journeys, this trend can create challenges for travelers seeking diverse transatlantic destinations. Each route remains vital to its city’s global connections.
— By VisaVerge.com

Read more:

• Thai Airways reroutes Europe flights due to India and Pakistan conflict
• Vietnam Airlines reroutes Europe flights over India-Pakistan tensions
• Eurocontrol Reports European Air Traffic Soars Past 2019
• European Court of Human Rights rules Greece deported migrants illegally
• UK Government in talks for youth mobility scheme with European Union