United Airlines has recently made adjustments to its flight schedule, including a significant change to its Newark-Tenerife route. The Chicago-based carrier will suspend nonstop flights between Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and Tenerife South Airport (TFS) from January to March 2026, though it remains uncertain whether the service will return during the summer months.
The move could signal a temporary pause due to seasonal travel demand changes or possibly a more permanent exit from the market. As one of United’s key transatlantic hubs, Newark is an essential gateway for European flights, and the airline’s network planning involves careful consideration of its most profitable routes, especially as limited availability at the airport constrains its options.
Tenerife Service Cut from January to March 2026
United had operated a thrice-weekly service between Newark and Tenerife since it first entered the market in 2022. Initially a seasonal route, the airline transitioned it to year-round service in 2023. However, with the latest update, flights will be suspended for three months next year, leaving uncertainty about its future status when travel demand increases.
United Airlines has not provided an official statement regarding the return of the Tenerife route for the summer months, and it was not immediately available for comment.
Narrowbody Aircraft on Transatlantic Routes
United operates its Boeing 757-200 aircraft on the Newark-Tenerife route. Despite being a narrowbody jet, the 757 is capable of transatlantic flights, providing a cost-effective option for serving markets with lower demand. The airline has been using the 757 on some of its longer transatlantic routes, including the Tenerife service, which takes over six hours.
In the near future, United plans to replace its aging Boeing 757s with the more efficient Airbus A321XLR for long-haul flights, but the 757 will remain a key part of its fleet until then. The aircraft is configured with a three-class layout, including United’s Polaris business class, an upgrade over the typical narrowbody service that only offers domestic first class. Behind the Polaris cabin, Economy Plus and Economy seats are available.
United’s Expanding Network
United has made headlines recently for expanding its network with some unique and less conventional destinations. Most notably, the airline has added flights to Nuuk, Greenland, and Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, both of which are designed to tap into markets eager for off-the-beaten-path travel. The Greenland route will be served from Newark, while the Mongolia service will be operated from Tokyo Narita, using a Boeing 737.
As the airline industry navigates an era of economic uncertainty and shifting demand, United Airlines continues to prioritize profitability in its network decisions. The suspension of flights to Tenerife reflects the airline’s strategy of optimizing routes based on demand and profitability.
