Welcome to the 154th edition of our weekly airline routes update! This week, several notable flight routes have launched or resumed, covering destinations across the Middle East, North America, Africa, and Asia. In this article, we explore some of the most exciting developments, including Turkish Airlines’ return to Syria, JetBlue’s expansion in New Hampshire, and Royal Air Maroc’s longest route.
Let’s take a closer look at these newly launched or resumed services.
Turkish Airlines Returns to Syria After 13 Years
Turkish Airlines has resumed flights between Istanbul and Damascus after a 13-year break, marking a significant moment in aviation history. The airline restarted operations on January 23, 2025, following the political changes in Syria.
Flight Details:
- Operates three times weekly (Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays)
- TK846: Departs Istanbul at 09:00, arrives in Damascus at 11:00
- TK847: Returns from Damascus at 13:00, lands in Istanbul at 15:10
The first flight was operated by a Boeing 777-300ER due to high demand. However, future flights will primarily use the Airbus A330-200.
With this route, Turkish Airlines now serves 25 destinations in the Middle East, with Tel Aviv expected to be added soon.
JetBlue Expands to New Hampshire
JetBlue has officially launched flights to Manchester, New Hampshire, marking its first presence in the state. The move fills the gap left by Spirit Airlines’ exit from the region.
New Routes from Manchester:
- Fort Myers – Began January 23 (4 times weekly, no summer service)
- Orlando – Started January 23 (daily, year-round service)
- Fort Lauderdale – Launched January 24 (4 times weekly, no summer service)
JetBlue is now the only carrier operating direct flights from Manchester to Fort Lauderdale and the second airline flying to Fort Myers. The expansion strengthens JetBlue’s presence in the northeastern U.S.
Royal Air Maroc’s Longest Route to Beijing
Moroccan airline Royal Air Maroc has resumed flights between Casablanca and Beijing Daxing, making it the airline’s longest route and its only direct service to Asia outside the Middle East.
Route Highlights:
- Distance: 10,096 km (5,451 nautical miles)
- Aircraft: Boeing 787-9 (302 seats)
- Flight Schedule: Three times weekly
- Departure: Casablanca at 16:20
- Return: Beijing at 21:20 the following day
This route is essential for connecting passengers from China to Africa, with major connections to cities like Lagos, Accra, Abuja, and Luanda.
Maldivian Airlines Introduces Its First Widebody Aircraft
Maldivian Airlines has added an Airbus A330-200 to its fleet, expanding its international operations. The aircraft, previously operated by KLM, will focus on bringing more tourists to the Maldives.
New Routes Using the A330:
- Chengdu Tianfu – Launched January 22
- Beijing Capital – Started January 24
- Shanghai Pudong – Began January 27
Each route operates once per week, with the aircraft and crew staying in China for most of the day before returning overnight.
South African Airways Resumes Dar es Salaam Flights
After a three-year gap, South African Airways (SAA) has resumed flights between Johannesburg and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Flight Schedule:
- Daily service on Airbus A320
- SA188: Departs Johannesburg at 22:00, arrives in Dar es Salaam at 02:55+1
- SA189: Returns at 05:10, lands in Johannesburg at 07:55
SAA joins Airlink and Air Tanzania on this route, which serves about 67,000 passengers annually, half of whom connect to other destinations.
Thai Lion Air Adds New Routes to Taiwan and Japan
Thai Lion Air has introduced flights from Bangkok (Don Mueang) to Kaohsiung, Taiwan, continuing onward to Okinawa, Japan.
Route Details:
- Bangkok – Kaohsiung – Okinawa
- Operates four times weekly
- Aircraft: Boeing 737-800
This marks the return of Bangkok-Okinawa flights, which were previously suspended in 2020. Thai Lion Air now competes with Thai AirAsia and Thai Vietjet on this route.
Austrian Airlines Adds Vienna to Ivalo, Finland
Austrian Airlines has introduced a seasonal weekly flight from Vienna to Ivalo, Finland, catering to the growing demand for winter tourism in the Arctic region.
Flight Highlights:
- Aircraft: Embraer E190 or Airbus A320
- Duration: ~3 hours
- Launch Date: January 25
Ivalo is a popular destination for skiing, snowboarding, and Northern Lights tourism, contributing to the 90% increase in winter flights to northern Europe compared to last year.
This week’s airline route updates highlight the continued expansion and recovery of global air travel. With Turkish Airlines returning to Syria, JetBlue entering New Hampshire, and Royal Air Maroc strengthening its long-haul network, airlines are actively rebuilding connections and exploring new markets.
