US Airlines Both Add and Cut 2025 Routes

In 2025, major U.S. airlines such as American, United, Delta, Hawaiian, Alaska, Southwest, and JetBlue are both expanding and reducing services in response to shifting travel trends. While carriers are adding new routes and increasing flight frequencies for the winter season to cater to a surge in leisure travel demand, they are also cutting less profitable routes and trimming overall capacity—United, for example, has reduced its domestic schedule by up to 4% through September. Economic pressures, weaker business travel, and declining fares are prompting these strategic adjustments. Despite a 3% rise in early 2025 passenger numbers, heightened price sensitivity is impacting airline revenues. Operationally, airlines continue to face challenges, with over 120 flights recently canceled across North America due to staffing and system congestion, and additional cancellations from severe weather, stranding thousands of travelers. The result is a mixed landscape with more options on popular routes but increased disruptions and fewer choices in other markets.