Transatlantic Travel Hits 99% of Pre-Pandemic Levels

From the UK, New York JFK remains the most popular US destination by scheduled flights, followed by Los Angeles, Newark, Chicago and Boston

With the US dropping all entry restrictions allowing unvaccinated travellers to enter the country for the first time since 2020, Cirium have revealed data looking at the number of flights between the UK and US, and how these compare to pre-pandemic.

  • During May 2023, 4,414 flights are scheduled to depart the UK for the US – equating to over 1.1 million seats
  • Departures from the UK to the US are projected to hit 99% of May 2019 levels (pre-pandemic), when 4,456 flights were scheduled
  • Transatlantic flights from the UK to the US are up 22% compared to May 2022 and up 493% compared to May 2021, as travellers resume business and leisure trips
  • Heathrow has the highest share of scheduled flights from the UK to the US this month (86%), followed by Gatwick (6%), Edinburgh (3%) and Manchester (3%)
  • From the UK, New York JFK remains the most popular US destination by scheduled flights, followed by Los Angeles, Newark, Chicago and Boston
  • This month, British Airways will operate the highest share of flights between the UK and US (31%), followed by American Airlines (18%), United Airlines (18%), Virgin Atlantic (16%) and Delta Air Lines (10%).

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