Quantcast

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

Delta, American Dive On Slashed Outlooks; But Two Airlines Rally
Competitors are circling Southwest after the airline announced it's going to start charging for checked bags
Exclusive: Dominican Low-Cost Carrier Arajet Wants to Disrupt NYC Market
Boeing deliveries rise 63% in February from a year earlier
Transportation Secretary Duffy Lays Out 10 Ways the FAA Is Working to Upgrade Air Traffic Control and Make Flying Safer
EasyJet pilot Paul Elsworth suspended after flying too close to mountain
Delta Air Lines bets on ‘blended-wing’ flight to reduce emissions
Europe's airlines pivot to bite size M&A deals to limit cost, regulatory burden
Dave Emerson named new CEO of Virgin Australia, replacing Jayne Hrdlicka
Ryanair DELAYS controversial new boarding pass rule to avoid summer chaos
FAA Orders Inspection, Replacement of 737NG Engine Parts
Spirit Adds New Airport, Three Routes
Delta crash passengers should take the $30,000 payment, their lawyers say. Here’s why.
Budget airline launches new cheap flights to one of the UK’s top winter sun destinations
Brazilian airline Azul to go 'back to basics' after challenging 2024
Airlines cancel flights as air travel to ‘grind to complete halt’ this week ahead of major strike action in Europe
Dramatic moment American Airlines plane diverted to Rome is escorted by fighter jets after mid-air bomb threat
Jetstar Faces Major Backlash as Nationwide System Outage Causes Travel Chaos, Stranding Passengers and Disrupting Flights Across the Australian Airline Industry
Sudden oil supply outages creating turbulence for airline industry
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
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

Ethiopian Airlines has successfully received the IATA CEIV Pharma recertification for 2025.

May 14, 2025

Air India has announced it will offer full refunds and a one-time rescheduling waiver for defense personnel holding defense fare tickets on Air India and Air India Express flights booked through May 31, 2025.

May 13, 2025

Alaska Airlines has announced the introduction of round-trip nonstop fares to Seoul, South Korea, starting at $999.

May 13, 2025

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has announced that American Airlines will commence seasonal service from Los Angeles to Brisbane on December 5, 2025.

May 13, 2025

Allegiant Air has announced an extension of its flight schedule through February 10, 2026, enabling travelers to book trips well into the following year.

May 13, 2025

Ethiopian Airlines has announced a 10% discount on flights departing from Sharjah, available through its website and mobile app.

May 13, 2025