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Edelweiss Air has announced it will discontinue two of its long-haul US routes (citing high fuel costs and weaker-than-expected passenger demand). The affected routes from Zurich Airport (ZRH) to both Denver International Airport (DEN) and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) will not return for the upcoming summer season.
The Swiss airline, a sister company of SWISS and part of the Lufthansa Group, has built its brand around seasonal and leisure-focused long-haul service. However, the combination of elevated oil prices and shifting travel patterns has made certain transatlantic routes increasingly difficult to sustain profitably.
Denver International Airport (DEN) and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) were both relatively newer additions compared to Edelweiss’ more established US destinations. While both cities offered strong tourism appeal and growing international demand, they appear to have underperformed relative to expectations (particularly outside peak travel windows).
Despite the cuts, Edelweiss Air and SWISS will continue to serve several US cities from Zurich Airport (ZRH), including:
- Boston Logan International Airport (ORD)
- Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
- Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- Miami International Airport (MIA)
- Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
- New York John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
- Tampa International Airport (TPA)
- Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
The decision reflects a broader trend among airlines adjusting capacity in response to economic pressures. Fuel remains one of the largest operating costs, and long-haul routes (especially those with inconsistent demand) are often the first to be reevaluated. For travelers, the changes mean fewer direct options between Switzerland and certain US cities, though connections via other carriers and hubs will still be available.
Anthony’s Take: Edelweiss Air has not ruled out revisiting these routes in the future, but for now these cities are off the map.
(Image Credits: Edelweiss Air.)
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Advertiser & Editorial Disclosure: The Bulkhead Seat earns an affiliate commission for anyone approved through the links above This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. We work to provide the best publicly available offers to our readers. We frequently update them, but this site does not include all available offers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities.
