US faces challenges with top unserved long-haul air routes

The analysis identifies several unserved long-haul routes that have seen past service or are rumored as potential future connections but remain unconfirmed. For instance:

- Los Angeles-Ho Chi Minh City previously operated via Hong Kong and Tokyo.

- Los Angeles-Bangkok had direct flights by Thai Airways and other airlines.

- New York JFK-Dhaka was served by Biman Bangladesh Airlines.

- Seattle-Delhi has been announced as a new route by Air India.

These routes demonstrate substantial demand with varying levels of historical service.

A notable challenge for establishing such routes is the lack of premium traffic; they primarily attract leisure travelers or those visiting friends and family. This often results in lower average fares despite potentially charging more for non-stop convenience—compounding difficulties due to long distances involved in these flights.

For example: Miami-Milan's average fare stands at $567 one-way which is lower compared to Boston-Milan's $662 fare—a route set to resume next summer after being inactive for 17 years. Despite Miami covering longer distances leading potentially higher costs—it hosts double Boston’s passenger numbers including those traveling further into South America.

Overall demand on these unserved routes indicates room for growth should airlines decide to establish or reintroduce nonstop services based on current point-to-point figures despite existing viable one-stop alternatives through various hubs across continents.