Routes & Networks Latest: Rolling Daily Updates (W/C March 24, 2025)
The week commencing March 24, 2025, has been marked by significant developments in the global aviation industry. Airlines worldwide are expanding their networks, introducing new routes, and enhancing services to meet the growing demand for air travel. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the latest updates in airline routes and networks.
Major Airline Route Expansions
Wizz Air’s Landmark UK-Saudi Arabia Service
Wizz Air is set to launch its longest-ever route between London Gatwick (LGW) and Jeddah (JED) on March 31, 2025. This daily service marks Wizz Air’s first operation between the UK and Saudi Arabia and debuts its use of the Airbus A321XLR aircraft. At 2,927 miles (2,544 nautical miles), this route becomes the farthest in Wizz Air’s network, highlighting the airline’s commitment to expanding its long-haul capabilities.
Virgin Atlantic’s New Long-Haul Routes
Virgin Atlantic is introducing two significant long-haul routes in March 2025:
London Heathrow (LHR) to Riyadh (RUH): Daily flights utilizing Airbus A330-900neo aircraft, marking Virgin Atlantic’s inaugural service to Saudi Arabia.
London Heathrow (LHR) to Toronto Pearson (YYZ): Daily flights commencing on March 30 with Boeing 787-9 aircraft, re-establishing Virgin Atlantic’s presence in the Canadian market after a decade-long hiatus.
These additions reflect the airline’s strategy to diversify its network and tap into emerging markets.
Scandinavian Airlines Returns to New York JFK
Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) is launching a new seasonal route between Oslo Airport (OSL) and New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) on March 30, 2025. This daily service, operated with Airbus A321LR aircraft, marks the first time in over 30 years that SAS has served this route, complementing its existing Newark service.
easyJet’s Italian Expansion
Following approval as the short-haul remedy taker in Lufthansa’s acquisition of a 41% stake in ITA Airways, easyJet is expanding its operations from new bases at Milan Linate (LIN) and Rome Fiumicino (FCO). The airline will base five aircraft at LIN and three at FCO, launching a total of 15 new routes in March. From Milan Linate, 10 new routes will include flights to Brussels, Edinburgh, Lisbon, and Vienna, while Rome Fiumicino will see five new services, including Frankfurt and Munich.
Qatar Airways Enhances African Connectivity
Qatar Airways has expanded its African network by increasing flight frequencies to several key destinations:
ATC News by Prof. Dr. Wolfgang H. Thome
Durban, South Africa (via Maputo, Mozambique): Now offering daily flights, up from five per week.
Entebbe, Uganda: Services have increased from seven to 11 weekly flights.
ATC News by Prof. Dr. Wolfgang H. Thome
Dar-es-Salaam/Kilimanjaro, Tanzania: Flights have risen from three to seven per week.
Tunis, Tunisia: Now operating 12 weekly flights, up from 10.
ATC News by Prof. Dr. Wolfgang H. Thome
These enhancements underscore Qatar Airways’ commitment to strengthening its presence in the African market.
ATC News by Prof. Dr. Wolfgang H. Thome
Etihad Airways Increases South African Services
Etihad Airways is ramping up its services to South Africa. Starting March 30, 2025, the Abu Dhabi–Johannesburg route will operate four times weekly on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. From August 1, this will increase to daily flights, catering to growing demand and enhancing connectivity between the Middle East and Africa.
ATC News by Prof. Dr. Wolfgang H. Thome
Airlink’s New Cape Town–Gaborone Service
Airlink, a premier regional carrier, is launching direct flights between Cape Town and Gaborone starting April 1, 2025. The three-weekly service, operating on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, aims to enhance business and leisure travel between South Africa and Botswana.
ATC News by Prof. Dr. Wolfgang H. Thome
Air Tanzania’s Dar es Salaam–Kinshasa Route
Air Tanzania Company Limited is set to launch a direct route between Dar es Salaam and Kinshasa from March 26, 2025. The four weekly flights, operated by the Airbus A220-300, will strengthen trade, tourism, and connectivity between Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
ATC News by Prof. Dr. Wolfgang H. Thome
Precision Air’s Zanzibar–Seronera Flights
Precision Air Tanzania is enhancing domestic connectivity by introducing daily flights from Zanzibar to Seronera, effective June 15, 2025. This service will facilitate travel between Zanzibar’s beaches and the Serengeti’s wildlife reserves, offering tourists a seamless experience.
ATC News by Prof. Dr. Wolfgang H. Thome
Airline Fleet Developments
Ethiopian Airlines Acquires Boeing 737-800
Ethiopian Airlines has expanded its fleet with the arrival of a 15.6-year-old Boeing 737-800, registered as ET-BBH. The aircraft was ferried from Singapore, with a stop in Dubai before reaching Addis Ababa on March 16, 2025. Previously configured as a VIP aircraft, it is currently unclear whether Ethiopian Airlines has purchased it outright or is operating it under a lease agreement.
ATC News by Prof. Dr. Wolfgang H. Thome
TAAG Angola Airlines Introduces Airbus A220-300
TAAG-Linhas Aereas de Angola has reinforced its fleet with a new Airbus A220-300, configured with 12 business class and 125 economy seats. This aircraft, registered as D2-TAF, bears a special “50 Years of Angolan Independence” sticker
