Edinburgh Airport set for JetBlue's first flights to New York

Image courtesy JetBlue

The airline will run a service from Edinburgh Airport to New York JFK from May to September 2024, marking the first time it has ever operated in Scotland.

Flights will depart daily on an Airbus A321neo, giving passengers even more opportunity to see the bright lights of the Big Apple.

The addition of this route further enhances connectivity to North America out of Scotland’s busiest airport after a strong 2023 where transatlantic capacity was up 51% on 2019 levels.

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.

“I look forward to welcoming JetBlue to Edinburgh Airport and working closely with them to make this route to New York a success while developing our relationship with the airline further.”

Minister for Small Business, Innovation, Tourism and Trade Richard Lochhead said: “I welcome the announcement of JetBlue’s new Edinburgh to New York JFK service – which I am sure will be welcomed by travellers in both Scotland and the US.

“This is the first time JetBlue will serve Scotland and this decision will help enhance our direct connectivity to the US and strengthen important links for business connectivity, exports and inbound tourism. This announcement not only demonstrates the confidence that JetBlue has in the Scottish market but also strengthens Edinburgh Airport’s case for establishing a US pre-clearance border facility to help make travel more seamless and provide added benefits for Scottish businesses and visitors.”

Malcolm Roughead, VisitScotland Chief Executive, said: “The arrival of this brand new seasonal route, which marks JetBlue’s debut in Scotland, is further evidence of the strong demand we are seeing from American visitors for 2024. 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.”