October 2025 will see the launch of 50 new international air routes, significantly expanding global connectivity. Key developments include Gulf Air returning to the U.S. market, EVA Air adding a seventh U.S. destination, and Delta Air Lines commencing direct flights to Marrakech. This expansion reflects strategic growth by airlines aiming to meet increasing passenger demand and open new markets.
Key Takeaways
- Gulf Air resumes U.S. service after nearly three decades, connecting Bahrain to New York JFK.
- EVA Air expands its U.S. network with a new route to Dallas-Fort Worth.
- Delta Air Lines introduces direct flights to Marrakech, its sixth African destination.
- Etihad Airways adds four new international points, including Addis Ababa and Krabi.
- Norse Atlantic Airways increases its Thailand routes from Stockholm and London.
- Wizz Air establishes a new base in Yerevan, Armenia, with eight new routes.
Gulf Air Returns to U.S. Market
Gulf Air will restart flights to the United States on October 1, 2025. This marks the first time the Bahraini national carrier has served the U.S. since the 1990s. The airline will operate three weekly flights using Boeing 787-9 aircraft. These flights will connect Bahrain International Airport (BAH) with New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).
This launch follows Bahrain’s upgrade to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Category 1 rating in 2024. The Category 1 status allows direct services between Bahrain and the U.S. Previously, Gulf Air operated flights to JFK between 1994 and 1997. The airline then shifted its focus to its regional hub operations.
Bahrain's Tourism Strategy
The new service supports Bahrain's national tourism strategy. It aims to attract more international visitors and strengthen the country's position as a global travel hub. Gulf Air plans to expand its network to as many as 25 new destinations over the next five years.
EVA Air Expands U.S. Presence
Taiwan's EVA Air will launch new flights between Taipei Taoyuan (TPE) and Dallas-Fort Worth International (DFW) on October 3, 2025. Dallas-Fort Worth will become EVA Air's seventh U.S. destination. It will also be its second in Texas, alongside existing service to Houston Intercontinental (IAH).
The Star Alliance member airline will operate this route three times per week. These new flights will complement EVA Air's existing services to major U.S. cities, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Chicago, and New York.
"North America accounts for nearly a fifth of EVA’s international seat capacity," an airline spokesperson stated. "Dallas has long been on our radar thanks to its role as one of the world’s busiest airports and a center of corporate relocations."
EVA Air has maintained cargo flights to Dallas since 1998. The new passenger route provides the carrier with fresh access to the growing Asia–Texas travel market. This expansion highlights the importance of Dallas as a key international gateway.
Delta Air Lines Connects Atlanta to Marrakech
Later in October, Delta Air Lines will introduce direct flights from Atlanta (ATL) to Marrakech (RAK) on October 25, 2025. Delta will be the only U.S. carrier offering nonstop service to the Moroccan city. The route will operate three times weekly using Boeing 767-400ER aircraft.
This new service marks Delta's entry into the Marrakech market. It also enhances Atlanta’s air connections to North Africa. Marrakech will become Delta’s sixth destination on the African continent. Other African cities served by Delta include Accra, Cape Town, Dakar, Johannesburg, and Lagos.
Transatlantic Joint Venture
This expansion builds on Delta’s transatlantic joint venture with Air France-KLM. This partnership already provides extensive service to Morocco, offering passengers more travel options and seamless connections.
Etihad Airways Adds Four New Destinations
Etihad Airways is also expanding its global network in October 2025, adding four new destinations. The Abu Dhabi-based airline will begin service to Addis Ababa, Medan, Krabi, and Phnom Penh. These new routes enhance connectivity between the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia.
The Addis Ababa route will launch as part of a new joint venture with Ethiopian Airlines. This partnership aims to increase travel and trade links between Africa and the Middle East, offering passengers more choices for connecting flights.
Norse Atlantic Airways Boosts Thailand Routes
Long-haul low-cost carrier Norse Atlantic Airways is increasing its focus on Thailand. Beginning October 29, 2025, the Norwegian airline will introduce two new routes to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK). These flights will originate from Stockholm Arlanda (ARN) and London Gatwick (LGW).
Both routes will operate twice weekly using Boeing 787-9 aircraft. The services are designed to meet strong winter travel demand for Thailand. They also support cargo flows, with technology shipments expected to be a key beneficiary. Norse Atlantic Airways is currently shifting its strategy towards more ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) and charter flying, but it views Bangkok as a stable leisure market.
Wizz Air Expands in the Caucasus
Ultra-low-cost carrier Wizz Air is strengthening its presence in the Caucasus region. The airline will open a new base in Yerevan, Armenia. This new base will introduce eight new routes from Yerevan.
These new connections will link Yerevan to several European cities. The routes include Prague, Hamburg, Paris Beauvais, Paphos, Naples, Bari, Bucharest Otopeni, and Memmingen. This expansion provides more affordable travel options for passengers in Armenia and surrounding regions.
Airline Network Growth
- 50 new routes starting in October 2025.
- Gulf Air: 3X-weekly Bahrain-New York JFK flights.
- EVA Air: 3X-weekly Taipei-Dallas-Fort Worth flights.
- Delta Air Lines: 3X-weekly Atlanta-Marrakech flights.
- Norse Atlantic Airways: 2X-weekly flights to Bangkok from Stockholm and London.
- Wizz Air: 8 new routes from Yerevan.
The numerous new routes starting in October 2025 reflect a continued recovery and strategic expansion within the global aviation industry. Airlines are focusing on key business and leisure markets, enhancing connectivity, and offering more choices for travelers worldwide.
