The Most Notable New Airline Routes This Week

Welcome to weekly routes article. We have analyzed some exciting services that began in the past week or so. Multiple other launches are listed at the bottom.

Go Beond to Milan

The all-business-class Maldivian operator, Go Beond, has inaugurated its next European route to Milan Malpensa. The flights operate via Dubai Al Maktoum for refueling. Using an ex-easyJet, 44-seat A319, the twice-weekly service departs Malé at 13:15 and arrives in Milan at 22:10 local time. Returning, flights depart Milan at 23:10 and arrive in the Maldives at 13:15 the next day. Milan is Beond’s third European destination, joining Munich and Zurich, which are also served twice-weekly.

Avianca is Back in France

After over 20 years, Avianca has resumed its service to France. The Colombian flag carrier touched down in Paris CDG from Bogotá on June 4. Avianca operates five times weekly using a 787-8, competing directly with Air France, which runs daily A350-900 flights. This marks Avianca's return to the Europe-Bogotá market, where it previously used 767 aircraft.

Take Off: ITA Airways to Dakar

ITA Airways has launched a new route from Rome to Dakar, replacing Alitalia on this service. The 2,226 nautical mile (4,122 km) route is operated four times weekly using a 165-seat A321neo. Flights leave Rome at 14:55 and return at 07:20 the following day. ITA competes with Neos, which operates weekly 737 MAX 8 flights. The route caters to a significant market between Italy and Senegal, with Rome-Dakar seeing about 40,000 passengers in 2023.

McAllen Gets First Cancun Link

Volaris has started flying between McAllen, Texas, and Cancun. The twice-weekly A320ceo service marks Volaris' debut at McAllen and the first time this airport pair has been served. This addition complements nearby Cancun services from Harlingen (Sun Country) and Reynosa (Viva Aerobus). McAllen now has two international links, with Cancun joining Aeromexico Connect's service from Mexico City Felipe Ángeles.

Ethiopian Jets to Poland

Ethiopian Airlines has launched a new route from Addis Ababa to Warsaw, strengthening its partnership with Star Alliance member LOT Polish Airlines. The four-times-weekly service currently operates with a 160-seat 737 MAX 8 via Athens. From late October, the stopover will switch to Vienna, and the A350-900 will take over. The new route offers connectivity across Africa through Addis Ababa.

Take Off: New China-Europe Routes

The recovery of international routes from China continues with new services to Europe. Juneyao Airlines has inaugurated flights from Shanghai Pudong to Brussels, operating three times weekly with a 787-9. Additionally, Shanghai Airlines has started flying from Shanghai to Marseille, marking the first Chinese flights to this French city.

Pegasus: Ankara to Dublin

Pegasus has launched the first-ever flights between Ankara, Türkiye, and Dublin, Ireland. The route operates three times weekly on an A320neo and is Pegasus’ second-longest European route. Despite having a small market of around 4,000 indirect passengers last year, the route aims to stimulate demand.