Airline CEOs Say Europe-U.S. Demand Remains Strong, But For How Long?
Photo Credit: Airline leaders are pictured at the Airlines for Europe summit in Brussels on March 27, 2025. Jan Van de Vel
Skift Take
European airline chiefs claim it’s business as usual on U.S. routes, but after three years of frenzied transatlantic demand, could we be entering one final summer of love?
The CEOs of Europe’s largest long-haul airlines are watching the U.S. market closely amid fears about a decline in travel to the U.S. However, they aren’t seeing declines yet.
Speaking in Brussels on Thursday morning, the heads of Air France-KLM, Lufthansa Group, and IAG all offered their perspective on possible softness in travel between Europe and the United States. It follows speculation that recent policy shifts in Washington and economic uncertainty could dampen demand.
The trio spoke side by side at an event hosted by industry trade body Airlines for Europe.
“Meeting here in March 2025, we probably all agree something is happening out there. Globalization is changing,” warned Carsten Spohr, CEO of Lufthansa Group, of the broader international outlook.
Asked specifically about the health of the transatlantic market, Ben Smith, CEO of Air-France KLM offered a measured perspective: “We’re not seeing anything as of today, but it is concerning for us and we are watching – as we do all markets – very, very closely. As of today, we don’t see any material change in terms of ca
