Low-cost airline announces its first-ever Scotland to New York route

An airline has announced a new route to New York from Edinburgh Airport, leading to calls for a US pre-clearance border facility.

US low-cost carrier JetBlue’s new route to the US will take off for the first time this May, and run until September.

The flights, which will operate daily on an Airbus A321neo to New York JFK airport, was added after “strong demand from American tourists”.

Scottish minister for tourism and trade, Richard Lochhead, said the announcement strengthens the case for establishing a US pre-clearance border facility at Edinburgh, which would allow customers to pass through immigration and customs prior to boarding their flight.

US low-cost carrier JetBlue's new route to the US will take off for the first time this May, and run until September. — US low-cost carrier JetBlue’s new route to the US will take off for the first time this May, and run until September. Joe Raedle via Getty Images

VisitScotland chief executive Malcolm Roughead also welcomed the new route, saying it provides further evidence of strong demand from tourists.

He said: “The US is our most important global market bringing visitors who often stay longer and spend more exploring all our country has to offer.

“Good connectivity helps makes Scotland a more desirable destination, boosting inbound tourism which in turn grows the wider visitor economy, helping create jobs and sustain communities.

“It is therefore vital we continue to make it as easy as possible for international visitors to come to Scotland.”

Gordon Dewar, chief executive of Edinburgh Airport, said: “It’s always a big moment when we welcome an airline to Edinburgh for the first time and the arrival of JetBlue will be an exciting step as we further strengthen our links to North America.

“Edinburgh and New York are both hugely popular places to visit and I’m thrilled that this new service will provide even more opportunities to connect between two of the world’s great cities.

“It’s extremely important to us, as Scotland’s airport, that we continue to build on the momentum of 2023 and offer fantastic choice for our passengers.

“The arrival of this route allows us to do that – enhancing leisure travel, business links and allowing people more chance to reunite with family and friends across the pond.”