Have you seen a map of all current passenger air routes in the world? There’s so much going on in the sky that it’s almost impossible to see the actual continents (let alone countries) they’re flying to.
As incredible as it is to think of how many routes are currently connecting the world, we can’t help but wonder whether there’s any room left at 34,000-feet for new services.
Image: googlemapsmania.blogspot.com
But alas, there is.
In fact, there’s so much extra room for additional aircraft in the air that 2019 will see the launch of dozens of new routes, including the ever-exciting Auckland-Chicago service with Air New Zealand.
Lonely Planet compiled its list of 10 most exciting new routes to look out for in 2019, which you can read by clicking here, or you can read on for the launches we’re hanging out for:
1. AUCKLAND-CHICAGO WITH AIR NEW ZEALAND
Image: Travon Printis/Unsplash
Watch out world, the seemingly small airline with a big Kiwi personality is adding non-stop services to one of the busiest airports in the USA. While technically the first flight takes off later this month, we think it’s close enough to 2019 to include on the list.
Click here to read more about it.
2. SINGAPORE-SEATTLE WITH SINGAPORE AIRLINES
Singapore Airlines is following up on its record-breaking service to New York City with a three times weekly non-stop route to Seattle. The inaugural flight takes off on 3 September 2019.
Click here to read more about it.
3. GOLD COAST-HOBART WITH TIGERAIR
While it’s not entirely a new route, Tigerair will be the only one to fly on its when it recommences direct services between the Gold Coast and Hobart later this year. Flights will run three times weekly.
Click here to read more about it.
4. RIO DE JANEIRO-LONDON GATWICK WITH NORWEGIAN AIRLINES
First things first, non-stop flights from South America’s lively city to the heart of Europe – hell yes! Second, it’s the first low-cost route between Brazil and the UK, so bring on those affordable airfares.
5. NEWCASTLE-AUCKLAND WITH VIRGIN AUSTRALIA
Regional NSW is getting a major boost from Virgin Australia when it launches Newcastle’s first non-stop flights to New Zealand in over 16 years. The services takes off later in 2018 but will run three times weekly throughout more of 2019.
Click here to read more about it.
6. ABU DHABI-BARCELONA WITH ETIHAD AIRWAYS
Flying to Spain will be only one stop away for Australians when Etihad Airways launches the first non-stop service between Abu Dhabi and Barcelona. The service kicks off late 2018 and will run daily from 31 March 2019.
Click here to read more about it.
- READ: These are the 5 longest flights in the world
- READ: These are the most profitable flights in the world
- READ: Who made the cut as one of the world’s most desired airlines?