Quantcast

European travel to US declines by 17.4% in March amid political factors

Delta crash passengers should take the $30,000 payment, their lawyers say. Here’s why.
Southwest's layoffs dent its worker-first culture
Abu Dhabi's long-haul carrier Etihad Airways sees record $476 million profit in 2024
Jet2 warns of profits squeeze from rising costs and late bookings
Southwest bends further to activist shareholder Elliott's demands
Downgraded on a flight? Take these simple but important steps to get your money back
Delta Offers Over $2 Million to CRJ Crash Passengers
Boeing Delays Continue for Alaska, Hawaiian
Hong Kong Airlines launches daily Sydney flights
Airline to launch new bunk beds in economy on long-haul flights next year
How Airline Employees Are Coping After Deadly Washington Crash
Major airline reverses in-flight menu change amid outcry
British Airways frequent flyer scheme changes: everything you need to know
Airline introduces world-first hand luggage ban on popular travel gadget
Air Canada Delays Boeing 767 Reentry
Flight Centre tips ‘price war’ as first direct Melbourne to LA Delta flights go on sale
FAA reverses course on meeting prohibition, blaming rogue employee
British Airways tweaks frequent flyer scheme after backlash
Delta flight from New York to Florida diverted to North Carolina due to ‘odor in the cabin’
EASA Certifies Safran’s First Electric Motor
US court blocks Biden administration's airline fee disclosure rule
JetBlue Issues Dim Outlook But Execs Remain Confident in Turnaround Plan
Delta to Resume Tel Aviv Flights April 1
Boeing CEO Ortberg outlines 2025 priorities after heavy losses
Storm Eowyn: Thousands of trains, flights and ferries cancelled as 100mph wind batters UK
Indian carrier long haul: IndiGo returns to profitability, plans long haul flights
These Frequent Fliers Are Done With Loyalty Programs
JetBlue accepting Venmo as payment method for flights purchased through mobile app
United Airlines stock rallies on results, as growing demand wasn’t just about premium seats
Delta Adds Another Alaska Route
European travel to US declines by 17.4% in March amid political factors
Research
Webp tax7muc3tlwo77ps9oyt49z1n7xa
Becky Blaine Senior editor | The Points Guy

New data reveals a significant decline in the number of Europeans flying to the U.S. this March, with approximately 178,000 fewer Western Europeans traveling by air compared to the same period last year. This represents a 17.4% decrease, bringing the total number of travelers to 846,577, according to the U.S. International Trade Administration.

The reduction in visitors from France, Germany, and the U.K.—the primary European countries for U.S.-bound travel—was recorded at 5%, 29%, and 15%, respectively. Analysts note the shift might partially be due to Easter's late occurrence this year, with celebrations falling on April 20 compared to March 31 in 2024. Typically, Easter can cause minor fluctuations in travel patterns, but it does not traditionally contribute to double-digit reductions.

There are indications that political factors, like President Trump's trade policies and immigration stance, may be impacting travel confidence. Reports suggest some French and German nationals have faced challenges entering the U.S., potentially contributing to decreased bookings.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

Among North American travelers, Canadian interest seems to be waning too, catalyzed by tariffs and political rhetoric concerning the relationship between the U.S. and Canada. Ben Smith, CEO of Air France and KLM, expressed concern over this trend, stating they are monitoring the situation closely.

Despite current declines, airlines are planning for an increase in travel capacity from April through September. Air France and KLM are among the carriers boosting seat availability to the U.S. by 8% and 11.5%, respectively. Aviation analytics firm Cirium reports a 4.2% increase in overall transatlantic seats compared to last year.

United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and American Airlines remain key players in transatlantic travel, with new routes planned for destinations such as Greenland, Sicily, and Scotland, showing confidence in possible fluctuations being short-term.

Savanthi Syth, an airline analyst at Raymond James, suggested that while inbound travel might be waning, outbound travel from the U.S. remains steady, potentially balancing out the disparity. Lufthansa Group CEO Carsten Spohr echoed this sentiment, describing transatlantic travel demand as robust.

No immediate booking impacts are visible yet, according to Lufthansa CEO Jens Ritter, although a Swiss spokesperson noted a decline in leisure travel bookings. Should the drop in foreign visitors continue, the financial implications could be substantial, with the U.S. Travel Association forecasting potential revenue losses. Delta Air Lines is expected to provide further insights with the release of its first-quarter results.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Passengers planning summer travel for 2026 can now book flights with Lufthansa Group Airlines, which has released its schedule featuring new destinations and increased frequencies.

Oct 28, 2025

Flying Food Group, Inc. has announced its Employees of the Month at its LAV facility.

Oct 28, 2025

Flying Food Group's San Francisco facility recently celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with its employees.

Oct 28, 2025

Etihad Airways has announced the launch of a new route connecting Abu Dhabi and Addis Ababa.

Oct 27, 2025

United Airlines has unveiled its Summer 2026 schedule, which includes new flights from Newark to Bari, Split, Santiago de Compostela, and Glasgow, as well as from Newark to Seoul and Washington, D.C., to Reykjavik.

Oct 27, 2025

Ethiopian Airlines has announced a limited-time 20% discount on fares between Addis Ababa and Porto.

Oct 27, 2025