Brussels Airlines has resumed flights to the United States following a 15-month long halt of all its transatlantic operations. Brussels Airlines flight SN501 on June 14, 2021, was the carrier’s first transatlantic flight since March 2020.
The flight took off from Brussels (BRU) and headed for New York (JFK). Maaike Andries, a company spokesperson described the event as a “symbolic milestone” in the carrier’s progress towards its transatlantic operations relaunch.
Brussels Airlines will operate three flights to New York and four flights to Washington on a weekly schedule. The carrier’s previous Montreal schedule is still suspended with no further information.
Despite low ticket sales from New York, the carrier has recorded significant business travel demand across the Atlantic as well as strong ticket sales for flights to and from Washington, according to Andries.
Leisure flights between Europe and the US are still restricted under COVID-19 regulations. However, the carrier is hopeful that an agreement between authorities on each side of the Atlantic could reignite tourist travel by relieving travel regulations to allow passengers an easier means and smooth access to travel options.
“We are really noticing that Belgians want to travel. There is a huge demand for tourist trips. People have put that budget aside, that’s clear,” said Andries.