A significant change has been made to the international route connecting Tenerife with New York, operated by United Airlines. The route, which previously ran only during the summer months, will now extend its service from 25 October to 30 April, effectively shifting from a three-month summer schedule to a six-month winter season schedule.
Official Confirmation and Communication Issues
This update was confirmed by the Vice President and Councillor for Tourism of Tenerife, Lope Afonso, who expressed dissatisfaction with how the airline communicated this change. The initial information suggested that the route would be cancelled entirely from April 2025, causing “logical concern and some confusion” among residents and stakeholders.
Background on Negotiations
The Tenerife Cabildo, led by Vice President Afonso, engaged in negotiations with United Airlines at the start of 2024. These discussions successfully extended the summer route’s operation from June to September, allowing it to run continuously until March. This extension was a significant achievement, as the route had only operated during the summer for the past three years.
Restructuring the Flight Schedule
Despite these efforts, the agreement has been adjusted, and the new structure means that, starting this year, the flight will operate between 25 October and 30 April. This change means the previous three-month summer service will now be a six-month operation covering the entire “winter season,” which is often a peak period for tourism on the island.
The Island’s Perspective and Concerns
Lope Afonso acknowledged that this new arrangement differs from the island’s original goal, which aimed for uninterrupted service between June and March. However, he clarified that the final decision was influenced by United Airlines’ commercial strategy and market dynamics.
Afonso was particularly critical of the airline’s communication strategy, stating, “The way this change was communicated caused understandable concern and some confusion,” indicating that clearer communication could have alleviated the concerns raised by the public and local businesses.
Response to the Plenary Session Inquiry
The Vice President’s statements were made in response to a question raised by the Socialist Group during a plenary session, addressing the reasons why United Airlines decided to cancel the route between Tenerife South Airport and Newark Airport after 30 April 2025.
While the decision to modify the route’s schedule was not the outcome Tenerife’s authorities had initially hoped for, the extension into the winter season is seen as a positive development, offering improved connectivity between Tenerife and New York for a longer period of the year, catering to both tourists and residents who rely on this direct route.
