Delta Air Lines ends Geneva-New York route amid shifting transatlantic demand

According to data from the U.S. International Trade Administration, air arrivals from Western Europe to the United States fell by nearly 2% from May through August compared to 2024. Arrivals from Switzerland declined by more than 9% over the same period.

Despite fewer Europeans traveling to the U.S., American travelers are maintaining strong demand on many transatlantic routes. This trend has led airlines to add new flights, especially to southern European destinations. American Airlines plans increased service to Athens next summer, while Delta will introduce new routes to Malta, Porto in Portugal, and Sardinia in Italy. United Airlines has also expanded its offerings with new destinations such as Bilbao and Palermo.

European carriers are also expanding their transatlantic services. Iberia will begin flying from Orlando International Airport (MCO) this October and Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) next spring.

However, overall growth in transatlantic capacity is slowing after rapid increases following pandemic-related travel restrictions. Aviation analytics firm Cirium reports that seat capacity between the U.S. and Europe will rise just 2.6% this year, compared with 5.5% growth last year and almost 19% in 2023.

Jens Fehlinger, CEO of Swiss International Air Lines, described current market conditions: "Growth is normalizing," he said regarding transatlantic trends during a recent interview.

Swiss recently added Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) as its first new U.S. destination in over ten years and is now focusing on integrating this addition while transitioning its long-haul fleet to Airbus A350 aircraft starting in October.

For travelers needing access to Geneva after Delta’s withdrawal, partner airlines such as Air France, KLM, and SAS Scandinavian Airlines continue offering connecting flights via their respective European hubs. From New York City, Swiss maintains daily nonstop service from JFK to Geneva; United Airlines provides a similar option from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).