CHICAGO- Major US Carrier, United Airlines (UA) has removed two international routes from its schedule, which include Washington DC (IAD) to Amman (AMM), Jordan, and Newark (EWR) to Tenerife (TFS), Spain.
The Washington-Amman route, previously suspended due to regional conflicts near Israel, has now been permanently canceled. This decision marks a complete withdrawal from the market.
United Cuts International Routes
United Airlines has revealed the termination of two international routes, surprising industry observers and passengers alike, Ishrion A reported. The affected routes are:
Washington DC to Amman Route (IAD-AMM)
The airline launched this route in 2022 as part of its post-pandemic expansion efforts. However, escalating conflicts in neighboring Israel, coupled with depressed demand and persistent safety concerns, have forced United to cease operations on this route indefinitely.
According to FlightAware data, United Airlines last operated this route as UA525 using Boeing 787 on August 16, 2024 (though it’s not verified).
The termination of the IAD-AMM service represents a complete removal from United’s schedule. While specific market demand data remains unavailable, the airline’s decision reflects the challenging geopolitical landscape and its impact on travel patterns in the region.
Scheduled flight data for the IAD-AMM route reveals a stark contrast between planned operations and the current situation.
For October 2024, no flights were scheduled, indicating an early anticipation of continued challenges. January 2025 had initially shown plans for three weekly flights, offering 684 seats.
Newark to Tenerife Island (EWR-TFS)
In an unexpected move, United is also ending its Newark-Tenerife service on April 30th. This announcement comes shortly after the airline had extended the route to year-round operation, raising questions about the sudden change in plans.
United Airlines currently operates 3x weekly flights as UA248 on this route using Boeing 757-200 aircraft.
Industry analysts speculate that the Tenerife route may transition to a winter-only schedule. However, this potential shift heavily depends on the route’s performance during the upcoming winter season.
Recent data shared by Enilria indicates that Tenerife ranked among United’s worst-performing international routes from Newark in June.
While not entirely discontinued, this route is experiencing significant changes. For both October 2024 and January 2025, United had planned three weekly flights, with slight variations in capacity. October flights were set to offer 550 seats per week, while January flights would provide 511 seats weekly.
Complex Seasonal Route
Examining Tenerife’s airport statistics reveals a complex seasonality pattern. Peak travel months include April, August, and February, while June, May, and November see the lowest traffic. December maintains average passenger numbers, with January slightly above the mean.
Climate factors play a crucial role in Tenerife’s appeal as a destination. The island’s average high temperature in January hovers around 68°F (20°C), with water temperatures approximately 10 degrees Fahrenheit colder than popular Caribbean destinations like Cancun (CUN).
These cooler temperatures, especially in winter, pose challenges for Tenerife as a beach destination for American travelers. With water temperatures well below 70°F (21°C), the island struggles to compete with warmer, more accessible alternatives.
Tenerife’s popularity among European travelers, particularly from the UK, stems from its relatively warmer climate compared to their home countries. However, for U.S. travelers, destinations like Cancun offer more competitive pricing, shorter travel times, and warmer temperatures.
Some industry experts draw parallels between Tenerife and Daytona Beach (DAB), Florida, in terms of product offerings and climate.
Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.
Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News.