AMERICAN Airlines has announced that Scotland’s only direct route to Philadelphia – from Edinburgh – has been extended through the winter months.
The “highly-successful” service was restarted last summer after a prolonged absence, and the daily route has now been extended and will run nearly year-round.
The services, restored last year between May and October, have been extended from March 2026 into January 2027.
The service is not currently operating and had not been expected to begin operation until spring or summer, but the airline announced that the start of this year’s flights will be brought forward to March.
An American Airlines flight lifts off from Edinburgh Airport (C) Edinburgh Airport
Simultaneously, American Airlines announced a resumption of daily flights to New York JFK from Scotland’s capital, operating for the spring and full summer season between 8 March and 24 October.
The New York service will begin utilising the 155-seat Airbus A321 aircraft, one of the newest in the American Airlines fleet.
The new routes have taken on additional significance with Scotland’s qualification for the World Cup in June.
Demand has increased anyway, and the throngs of Tartan Army faithful making their way across the pond will only add to the pressure on services.
Gordon Dewar, chief executive of Edinburgh Airport, spoke of his excitement at the extension of the route.
In a statement, he said: “Announcing an extension to an already popular route is a fantastic way to start the new year, and we’re delighted to see American Airlines continue to grow its presence at Scotland’s busiest airport.
“Transatlantic travel, both inbound and outbound, continues to be in high demand and we know there’s an even greater interest in it this summer as the Tartan Army and others look to follow their teams at the 2026 World Cup.
“We’re glad to continue to offer that breadth of choice by working with our partners to ensure we have fantastic connections for both business and leisure.”
The Philadelphia flights will begin on 29 March, and the New York flights will begin on 8 March.
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