January 2025 marks a significant month for the aviation industry as several major airlines launch new routes, enhancing connectivity between continents and expanding their global networks. All Nippon Airways (ANA), Air Serbia, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue Airways, Qatar Airways, and ITA Airways are among the carriers introducing exciting new flights that link cities across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. This expansion reflects the airlines’ strategic moves to capitalize on emerging market opportunities and strengthen economic ties between key global regions.
All Nippon Airways (ANA) is expanding its European network by introducing a new route to Stockholm, Sweden. Starting January 31, the airline will operate a service three times a week between Tokyo’s Haneda Airport and Stockholm Arlanda Airport using Boeing 787-8 aircraft. This addition comes after the initiation of flights to Milan Malpensa Airport and precedes a new service to Istanbul set for February.
The opening of the Stockholm route adds a significant node to ANA’s network, particularly as Scandinavian Airlines has recently transitioned from the Star Alliance to SkyTeam. Japan holds a strong economic bond with Sweden, being the country’s second-largest Asian trading partner, fostering robust corporate presences in both nations.
Additionally, Air Serbia is launching a new connection between Europe and Asia. Starting January 11, the airline will begin operating flights twice a week from Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport to Shanghai Pudong International Airport with Airbus A330-200 aircraft. This follows the opening of a route to Guangzhou, although its service to Tianjin was suspended last November.
Delta Air Lines and JetBlue Airways are also kicking off new routes in January 2025. Delta will connect Boston Logan International Airport with São Paulo Guarulhos International Airport in Brazil starting January 6, while JetBlue introduces services from Manchester-Boston Regional Airport in New Hampshire.
Further enhancing its network, Qatar Airways resumed operations to Abha International Airport in Saudi Arabia from January 2, increasing its destinations in the country to eleven with bi-weekly flights from Doha’s Hamad International Airport.
Meanwhile, ITA Airways is set to resume services to Libya, initiating bi-weekly flights from Rome Fiumicino Airport to Tripoli’s Mitiga International Airport starting January 12. Despite ongoing concerns highlighted by a recent Conflict Zone Information Bulletin from EASA advising against Libyan airspace, ITA Airways has coordinated with Italian and Libyan authorities and performed a detailed risk assessment to ensure safe operations. The airline’s approach strategy utilizes the coastal location of MJI, enabling approaches from over the Mediterranean Sea under specific conditions.
