Delta Air Lines ends long-running New York–Brussels route amid network shift

A Delta spokesperson stated to Airline Geeks: "The final New York-JFK to Brussels flight will operate January 5 from JFK and January 6 from BRU. Delta apologizes for any inconvenience this change causes, and affected customers will be notified directly."

Industry observers have noted that this move is unexpected given Delta’s established presence at JFK and strong business demand between New York and Brussels. However, Lufthansa Group maintains significant operations in both cities through various carriers and partnerships.

Delta relaunched its Atlanta-Brussels route this summer after a five-year break. The carrier appears to see greater value in expanding service from Atlanta—where it offers over 210 connections—compared to fewer than 80 destinations served by mainline Delta out of JFK.

Brussels Airport remains one of Europe’s busiest airports but has not yet returned to pre-pandemic passenger levels; it handled about 23.6 million travelers in 2024 compared with nearly 26.3 million in 2019. Despite lower numbers, the airport maintains a network of over 180 direct global connections during the summer season.

Ongoing infrastructure projects at Brussels Airport are expected to modernize facilities and expand capacity by adding a new intermodal transport hub along with larger departure and arrival halls; construction is set to begin in 2027 with completion targeted for 2032.