Former operators like Air India and Kuwait Airways once flew London-New York route

Air India began flying between New York JFK and London Heathrow in 1960 using Boeing 707s. The airline introduced its Boeing 747 on this route in May 1971. Although an inaugural flight was scheduled to go from Bombay (now Mumbai) through London to New York, the transatlantic leg started a few days later than planned. Air India stopped operating this service in 2008 due to rising fuel costs, regulatory changes like the Open Skies agreement, falling revenues, and challenges faced by non-home carriers regarding market awareness. Business Traveller reported that Air India offered low fares for both economy and business class passengers because of its status as a non-home carrier. The airline's load factors averaged about 60% in 2006-2007 but dropped to 56% by 2008.

Kuwait Airways launched its service on the route in 1980. Due to long distances from Kuwait to New York, flights included a stopover in London for refueling and passenger transfers. According to data from the US Department of Transportation, load factors were below 70% during the final years of operation on this sector.

Kuwait Airways suspended its London-New York service in 2015 following legal action after refusing to sell a ticket to Israeli citizen Eldad Gatt. Kuwaiti law prohibits entry for those with Israeli passports or visa stamps; while Kuwait Airways argued it did not discriminate based on nationality but followed national law requirements for valid travel documents into Kuwait, legal challenges focused on flights not touching Kuwaiti soil—specifically the London-New York leg. The airline ultimately resolved the case by discontinuing the route.

Over time many airlines have linked these two major cities; however, changing regulations and evolving market dynamics have shaped which carriers remain active on this lucrative corridor.