United Airlines’ Faro-New York route postponed to 2025
The highly anticipated launch of the first direct air link between the Algarve and the United States of America has been called off, with all flights linking Faro to Newark removed from United Airlines‘ 2024 schedule.
According to aviation news website Simple Flying, which cites an airline source, the air link’s launch has been postponed to the summer of 2025.
Passengers who had already booked flights are receiving messages regarding the cancellation.
“We wanted to let you know that we have postponed the start date of our seasonal service to Faro until the summer of 2025, which means your flight(s) (…) will not depart as planned,” the statement says.
“We understand how frustrating this can be and we want you to know we have arranged different options operated by United and our partners, Lufthansa and TAP Portugal,” it adds.
The Faro-Newark route was due to have four weekly flights, beginning on May 24 and running through September on its Boeing 757-200. However, the air link disappeared from its flight schedule last week, reports Simple Flying.
According to aviation data and analytics firm Cirum, United had nine flights scheduled in May – five flights to Faro and four to Newark – offering just over 1,500 seats. In June, the numbers were boosted to nearly 6,000 seats across 34 total flights, 17 in each direction.
The news has come as a shock given just how important the new route was expected to be for the Algarve.
Back in October, Algarve tourism chief André Gomes said the new air link was “excellent news for the region and a very relevant milestone that opens a new chapter of opportunities for Algarve tourism.”
Official statements from tourism representatives in the Algarve regarding the cancellation of the air link’s launch are expected soon.
michael.bruxo@portugalresident.com
