Major European airlines are warning of a sharp decline in bookings for trans-Atlantic flights to the US, citing uncertainty over border policies as a major factor. According to industry leaders, bookings from Europe to the US have dropped by 10% year-over-year, with an estimated $8.5 billion reduction in US tourism revenue expected in 2025.
The airlines point to the Trump administration’s foreign policy towards Europe as a contributing factor. Air France-KLM CEO Ben Smith stated that customers are holding back on buying tickets due to “clarity on… border issues”. Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr noted that bookings for US flights have weakened, particularly from markets such as Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
Industry leaders are urging caution, with Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian suggesting that the administration’s stance on immigration is affecting tourist confidence. As carriers finalize their seasonal schedules, more route adjustments can be expected, with six airlines cutting or reshuffling Europe-US routes in the past month alone.
Source: https://www.newsweek.com/airlines-bosses-european-flights-cancelled-2076845