American Airlines announces new summer routes to Austria, Iceland from PHL
American Airlines will be the only U.S. airline flying to Vienna.
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- American Airlines announced two new international summer routes out of Philadelphia International Airport, starting May 2027. The new non-stop routes will take travelers to Vienna, Austria and Reykjavik, Iceland.
"Oh, Iceland! That has always been on my bucket list. That's awesome!" Kathy Giorg, of Reading, told Action News.
"You don't got to change planes and watch out for your bags getting lost and things like that. I will always, always choose non-stop," said Craig Connelly, of Northeast Philadelphia.
American Airlines says the new routes reinforce the Philadelphia hub as their main transatlantic gateway, adding that American will be the only U.S. airline flying to Vienna.
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"We've seen the demand those places have for summer travel," said Cesar Marchese, American Airlines VP of PHL Operations.
All of American's international destinations from PHL will return next summer.
American is also introducing a new fleet type to Philadelphia, the Airbus 321 XLR, which opens up more international destinations and opportunities.
"The 321 has a much longer range -- the longest range of an aerobody aircraft -- so it enabled us to try new markets and to serve markets that before would have to be served through a hub in Europe," said Marchese.
The plan allows the airport more global access for local customers flying out and visitors flying in.
"Think about the economic impact that your airport has in the city. We have almost a $19 billion annual economic impact, and when you add on flights like this, you just keep growing that impact," said Tracy Borda, Interim CEO and CFO of PHL.
