What's Happening?
Romanian airline HiSky is set to launch new flights between Bucharest and Chicago during the 2026 summer season, marking a significant expansion in transatlantic connectivity. The airline plans to operate two weekly flights using Airbus A330 aircraft, departing from Bucharest on Thursdays and Sundays. This development follows HiSky's successful launch of flights to New York's JFK Airport in June 2024. The new route aims to cater to the strong demand from tourists, business travelers, and the Romanian and Moldovan diaspora in Chicago. The airline's CEO, Iulian Scorpan, expressed confidence in the new service, highlighting the potential for increased travel between Romania and the U.S.
Why It's Important?
The introduction of HiSky's Bucharest-Chicago flights represents a revival of direct air travel between Romania and the U.S., a connection last served by Tarom over two decades ago. This expansion is significant for enhancing economic and cultural ties between Eastern Europe and the United States. It also reflects the growing demand for transatlantic travel, driven by business opportunities and diaspora connections. The move is part of a broader trend of increasing competition in the Central and Eastern Europe-U.S. air travel market, with several airlines expanding their routes to meet rising passenger demand.
What's Next?
As HiSky prepares to launch the new route, the airline will likely focus on marketing and operational strategies to ensure successful service. The expansion may prompt other airlines to consider similar routes, further increasing competition in the transatlantic market. Additionally, the airline's decision on whether to complement or replace its existing JFK flights will be closely watched by industry stakeholders and travelers.
