Aviation network expansions for 2027

Airlines are expanding their networks and introducing new transatlantic and regional routes scheduled for the 2027 season. At Athens International Airport, Alaska Airlines plans to launch the first direct connection between Athens and Seattle in May 2027, providing the only direct service from the U.S. West Coast. Other carriers, including Condor and TUI Airline, are also adding Athens to their 2027 schedules with connections to Frankfurt and London Gatwick. Delta Air Lines will also launch a three-times-weekly service from Detroit to Athens in June 2027. Delta Air Lines is further expanding its transatlantic presence with daily flights from Austin to Paris and a four-times-weekly service between Boston and Venice. In Italy, Delta will increase its Milan Malpensa to Boston service to daily flights and introduce a new Venice to Boston route. In Italy, ITA Airways will launch a new direct route between Verona and Rome Fiumicino in March 2027, offering 21 weekly frequencies. The carrier is also increasing service to Israel by adding a third daily flight between Rome Fiumicino and Tel Aviv Ben Gurion starting October 25, 2026. Regional developments are also occurring at Grottaglie (Marcello Arlotta) airport, where Aeroporti di Puglia has issued a call for interest to develop passenger connectivity. The plan targets approximately 12 weekly flights, primarily to Rome and Milan-Linate. While some local groups support the hub designation, the group Taras Futura has criticized the commercial policy, warning that requiring airlines to prove economic sustainability through business plans might “discourage operators and lead to market failure.” In Asia, Air India is set to resume direct flights between Delhi and Tel Aviv on December 1, 2026. The airline will operate five weekly flights using Boeing 777 aircraft, restoring a link that had faced disruptions due to regional security concerns.