Fifty new airline routes launching in February 2025 across the globe

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Airlines worldwide are expanding their networks with 50 new routes set to launch in February 2025.

These developments align with aviation growth strategies supported by government agencies such as the U.S. Department of Transportation, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, and the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation.

Key additions include Saudia’s new Neom-London service, ANA’s Tokyo-Istanbul route, and Southwest’s long-haul expansion from Washington, D.C.

Saudia’s Neom-London Gatwick Route

Saudia is shifting its London service from Heathrow (LHR) to Gatwick (LGW) as it launches a new connection between Neom Bay Airport (NUM) and LGW on February 2, 2025.

The weekly flights will be operated on a 110-seat Airbus A320, replacing the current Boeing 787-9 service to LHR.

Neom, a futuristic smart city under development in Saudi Arabia’s Tabuk Province, is envisioned as a global hub for innovation, sustainable living, and tourism.

According to the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation, the move to LGW is designed to align aircraft capacity with passenger demand while freeing up a valuable Heathrow slot.

ANA Expands European Network with Tokyo-Istanbul Route

All Nippon Airways (ANA) will further expand its European presence with the launch of direct flights from Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) to Istanbul Airport (IST) starting February 2025.

The service will operate three times per week using Boeing 787-8 aircraft.

Istanbul becomes ANA’s third new European destination in recent months, following the addition of Milan and Stockholm.

The airline will compete with Star Alliance partner Turkish Airlines, which already offers daily non-stop service between Istanbul and both Haneda and Narita International Airport (NRT).

This expansion aligns with Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism aviation strategy to strengthen global connectivity.

Southwest Adds Washington-Las Vegas Route

Southwest Airlines is set to introduce a new transcontinental route from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) to Las Vegas (LAS) starting February 13, 2025.

The daily service takes advantage of Southwest’s recently awarded slot exemptions, allowing flights beyond DCA’s standard 1,250-mile perimeter rule.

The U.S. Department of Transportation allocated these exemptions to five airlines—Southwest, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines—enabling long-haul connectivity from the heavily slot-controlled airport.

This move enhances travel options for business and leisure passengers in the Washington, D.C., region.

Additional Route Launches in February 2025

• Aegean Airlines: New service from Athens (ATH) to Erbil (EBL), Iraq, starting February 23, expanding Greece’s connectivity to the Middle East.
• Aeromexico: Launching flights between Mexico City (MEX) and Cartagena (CTG), adding a third Colombian destination to its network.
• Arkia Israel Airlines: Introducing inaugural flights to the U.S., further strengthening Israeli-American travel ties.

These airline expansions reflect a broader global aviation recovery, improving international connectivity and offering more travel options for passengers worldwide.