American Airlines announces 7 new routes in big gamble on international travel

American Airlines is expanding its international network in 2027 with seven new routes, three new destinations and more service between New York and London.

The Texas-based carrier said Thursday that all its newly announced summer routes will operate daily. Tickets go on sale Aug. 31 through American’s website and mobile app.

“Our international network has expanded to offer destinations to satisfy every travel palate,” American’s Senior Vice President of Network and Schedule Planning Brian Znotins said in a statement.

“Combined with our investments enhancing our onboard product and inflight experience, travelers have more reasons to choose American when they fly around the world.”

Philadelphia will gain international destinations: Porto, Portugal; Vienna, Austria; and Reykjavik, Iceland. Porto and Vienna will be entirely new additions to American’s network, while service to Reykjavik will return for the first time since 2019.

Philadelphia-to-Porto flights will begin March 28, followed by service to Vienna on May 6 and Reykjavik on May 27.

American said it will be the only U.S. airline serving Vienna. The seasonal route will continue through early January 2028, extending service through the winter holiday travel period.

American said it will be the only U.S. airline serving Vienna. REUTERS

The airline is also expanding from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport, adding nonstop service to Amsterdam beginning March 28 and Nice, France, starting May 6.

American will restore a fourth daily flight between JFK and London Heathrow on March 28. Together with partner British Airways, the airlines will offer as many as 14 daily flights between New York and London, according to American.

Elsewhere, the airline will launch service between Chicago O’Hare and Tokyo Narita on March 19 to help meet growing demand around Japan’s cherry blossom season.

A new Charlotte-to-Barcelona route will begin May 27, making Charlotte the sixth U.S. gateway from which American serves the Spanish city.

The airline is also expanding from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport, adding nonstop service to Amsterdam beginning March 28 and Nice, France, starting May 6. Universal Images Group via Getty Images

American is also moving up the seasonal launches of its returning Charlotte-to-Paris and Miami-to-Milan routes to March 4 as demand for spring travel to Europe grows.

The international expansion follows American’s announcement earlier this month of a major overhaul of its onboard experience.

The airline said more than 800 narrowbody aircraft will ultimately receive upgraded entertainment systems featuring 4K displays, Bluetooth connectivity and USB-C charging.

FOX Business’ Stepheny Price contributed to this report.