Scheduled passenger flights from the United States and Canada to Europe are set to reach an average of 617 daily departures in October. This figure represents an increase of 20 daily takeoffs compared to the same period last year. Analysis of planned services using Cirium Diio data indicates a dynamic month for transatlantic travel.
The shift to winter schedules for northern carriers on Sunday, October 26, will significantly impact daily flight numbers. The peak for the month is projected to be 679 daily departures on October 4, while the lowest point will be 466 on October 28.
Key Takeaways
- North America to Europe flights average 617 daily in October.
- This marks a 20-flight increase from last October.
- New York JFK remains the busiest airport for European routes.
- Toronto has risen to third place, largely due to Air Canada's growth.
- Boston saw an 11% increase in European departures.
North American Airports and European Connections
A total of 47 airports across the United States and Canada will offer scheduled service to Europe during October. New York JFK Airport continues to lead this list, holding its position as the busiest hub for transatlantic travel. It is also recognized as the world's second-busiest airport for long-haul operations and the top US airport for widebody aircraft services.
October Flight Facts
- Total Daily Departures (US & Canada to Europe): 617 (average)
- Increase from Last Year: 20 daily departures
- Peak Day: October 4 (679 departures)
- Lowest Day: October 28 (466 departures)
Top 10 Airports for European Departures in October
The ranking of top airports has seen some notable shifts compared to October of the previous year. Toronto Pearson International Airport, for example, has moved up one position to third place. This change is primarily due to an expansion by Air Canada.
Understanding Winter Schedules
Aviation operates on IATA slot seasons. The switch to winter schedules, which occurs in late October, often leads to significant changes in flight frequencies and routes, especially for international travel. This impacts the number of available flights and passenger capacity.
- New York JFK: 3,036 departures (76 to 110 daily) -3% change from October 2024
- Newark: 1,657 departures (47 to 56 daily) +5% change from October 2024
- Toronto: 1,322 departures (26 to 55 daily) +7% change from October 2024
- Boston: 1,286 departures (27 to 47 daily) +11% change from October 2024
- Chicago O'Hare: 1,282 departures (29 to 46 daily) +2% change from October 2024
- Washington Dulles: 1,224 departures (30 to 44 daily) +4% change from October 2024
- Montreal: 996 departures (14 to 41 daily) +2% change from October 2024
- Atlanta: 892 departures (22 to 34 daily) +4% change from October 2024
- Los Angeles: 889 departures (22 to 34 daily) -1% change from October 2024
- San Francisco: 768 departures (18 to 28 daily) -4% change from October 2024
Note: Departure numbers are for one-way flights; double for round trips.
Toronto's Rise and Air Canada's Influence
Toronto's climb in the rankings is largely attributed to Air Canada's increased operations. The airline has expanded its European offerings, leading to a 7% increase in departures from its main hub. This growth has elevated Air Canada's share of total European departures from Toronto to 43%.
Air Canada has added frequencies on existing routes, particularly to popular Southern European destinations like Athens and Rome, which continue to show strong demand. The airline has also introduced new routes, such as service to Brussels, which was not available from Toronto last October.
Beyond Air Canada, other carriers have also contributed to Toronto's increased activity. SAS, for example, now offers year-round flights to Toronto, a service it did not provide last October. Virgin Atlantic is also set to begin flights to the Canadian airport in March 2025, further expanding its European connectivity.
“The impact of changing to winter schedules is clear,” an industry analysis indicated, highlighting the variability in flight offerings as seasons change.
Boston's Significant Growth in European Connectivity
Boston Logan International Airport stands out among the top ten airports for its substantial growth in European flights. It has recorded an 11% increase in departures compared to the previous year, which is more than five times the average growth rate of the top ten airports (2%). This increase has moved Boston up two places in the rankings, from sixth to fourth.
Several factors contributed to Boston's expansion. Condor extended its summer season flights through October, providing additional capacity. While PLAY's departure from all US flights in September 2025 offset some growth, the primary driver was increased offerings from existing operators, especially JetBlue.
JetBlue's Expanded European Network
JetBlue's departures from Boston have more than doubled, showing a 117% increase. In October, JetBlue's European network from Boston includes seven routes. New services have been introduced to Dublin, Edinburgh, and Madrid. Additionally, seasonal flights to London Gatwick have been extended through October. These Gatwick flights are now operated using the 160-seat A321neo aircraft, a change from the previous 137-seat A321LR.
New and Lost European Routes
Changes in air service are not limited to major hubs. Some smaller airports have also seen their European connections evolve.
Indianapolis Regains European Service
On May 3, Aer Lingus launched direct flights from Dublin to Indianapolis, marking the first time the Irish flag carrier served Indiana. Dublin Airport benefits from US preclearance, simplifying the arrival process for passengers. The A321XLR-operated route currently runs four times weekly and is expected to increase to five weekly next summer. This service is notable as the world's eighth-longest XLR route by flight time. It also represents the first European passenger service for Indianapolis since Delta ceased flights to Paris CDG in 2020.
Stewart Airport Loses European Flights
In contrast to Indianapolis, Stewart International Airport no longer offers scheduled European flights. Last October, PLAY operated services from Stewart, positioning it as a less congested and lower-cost alternative to New York JFK and Newark. However, these services have ended. According to the US Department of Transportation, PLAY transported nearly 300,000 passengers between June 2022 and September 2025 from Stewart.
Airline Strategy and Airport Choice
Airlines often consider various factors when selecting airports, including operational costs, passenger demand, and potential yields. Smaller airports can offer lower operating expenses, but may also attract fewer passengers or generate lower revenue per passenger compared to major hubs.
The dynamic nature of international air travel means that routes and frequencies are continuously adjusted based on market demand, airline strategies, and seasonal changes. These shifts highlight the ongoing evolution of transatlantic air connections for both business and leisure travelers.
