American Airlines Surging Tourism in US With Eight New Routes Launch to Mexico, Dominican Republic, Brazil, Argentina, Greece, Spain, and Ireland

American Airlines is surging tourism in the USA with the launch of eight new international routes for the winter of this and next season, aimed at accelerating outbound tourism from the U.S. to Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Brazil, Argentina, Greece, Spain, and Ireland. This expansion aligns with a new ForwardKeys forecast showing continued U.S. demand for European hotspots like London, Paris, Rome, and Dublin, as well as rising interest in secondary cities such as Berlin, Porto, and Helsinki. By enhancing global connectivity, American is not only fueling this shift in travel behavior but also giving tough competition to rivals like Delta and United in the battle to dominate winter leisure travel.

American Airlines is stepping into winter this and next year with a bold expansion strategy, launching eight new routes and reintroducing several seasonal connections that strengthen tourism across the Americas and Europe. This latest schedule update signals a clear commitment to fueling leisure travel, supporting local economies, and enhancing connectivity to some of the most in-demand destinations around the world.

Elevating US Travel and Regional Tourism

The U.S. sees a major uplift with new routes connecting key domestic markets. Starting October six, American will launch daily nonstop flights between Los Angeles (LAX) and Des Moines, Iowa (DSM), and between Phoenix (PHX) and Little Rock, Arkansas (LIT). These additions improve access to secondary cities, helping boost local tourism and business travel.

Winter sports tourism also gets a boost with a new seasonal route between Charlotte (CLT) and Aspen, Colorado (ASE) beginning December nineten. Timed perfectly for the ski season, this connection brings high-value travelers straight to the slopes.

Expanding Caribbean Access in Mexico and the Dominican Republic

American is also deepening its Caribbean footprint with five new international routes—four of which head to the Dominican Republic and one to Mexico. Starting November eight, Oklahoma City (OKC) will receive its first-ever international route, connecting to Cancun, Mexico (CUN) on Saturdays. This marks a major milestone for both the city and regional tourism in Mexico’s most visited destination.

On December sixth, four new Saturday-only routes will launch to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (PUJ) from Indianapolis (IND), Nashville (BNA), Pittsburgh (PIT), and Raleigh-Durham (RDU). These flights add more convenient access to one of the Caribbean’s top beach destinations and strengthen the Dominican Republic’s inbound tourism during peak winter travel.

Supporting Transcontinental Tourism in Brazil and Argentina

South America is also part of American’s winter expansion strategy. Beginning December Third, the airline will increase service between Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) and São Paulo, Brazil (GRU) to 10 weekly flights. Additionally, starting December 18, Miami (MIA) will operate four daily flights to Buenos Aires, Argentina (EZE).

These routes help meet the rising demand for two-way tourism, especially among leisure and VFR (visiting friends and relatives) travelers. With enhanced frequencies and widebody aircraft, American is positioning itself as a key carrier linking North and South America.

Extending Europe’s Off-Season Travel Opportunities

American is giving travelers more time to explore Europe’s cultural capitals by extending seasonal routes deeper into the winter months. These strategic extensions directly support tourism across three major European markets.

• Athens, Greece (ATH): Flights from Philadelphia (PHL) extended through November Seventeen
• Barcelona, Spain (BCN): Flights from New York (JFK) extended through December Second
• Dublin, Ireland (DUB): Flights from Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) extended through January Sixth

These flights offer travelers a chance to enjoy Europe in the off-season—fewer crowds, lower prices, and more immersive experiences—while continuing to drive tourism revenues for local economies.

Travel intelligence firm ForwardKeys has released its 12-month outlook for summer of this year, revealing that US outbound travel to Europe will continue favoring classics like London, Paris, Rome, and Dublin, while rising interest in lesser-explored destinations reshapes the landscape. Secondary cities such as Berlin, Porto, Bilbao, and Faro are gaining ground due to stronger connectivity and unique cultural appeal. Nordic cities like Helsinki and Copenhagen are also on the rise, with Helsinki expecting a sixteen percent jump in US arrivals. Meanwhile, London may see a slight two percent dip, and Reykjavik is forecasted to drop by twelve percent, as travelers seek fresh, less crowded experiences. With major carriers like American Airlines adding new transatlantic and leisure-focused routes for winter of this and next year, this growing shift in travel preferences is expected to further fuel tourism across both popular and emerging European destinations.

The Big Picture

Behind each new route and seasonal extension is a focused strategy to connect high-interest destinations with growing demand. Whether it’s a first-time international flight from Oklahoma, an escape to the beaches of Punta Cana, or added access to São Paulo’s global business scene, American Airlines is not just adding capacity—it’s enabling tourism and economic impact.

American Airlines is boosting outbound tourism from the U.S. with eight new international routes for winter, aligning with a ForwardKeys forecast that highlights rising demand for both classic and emerging global destinations—intensifying competition with Delta and United.

With eight new routes and expanded service across key tourism markets, American Airlines is helping drive travel demand in the United States, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Brazil, Argentina, Greece, Spain, and Ireland. By increasing access, improving connectivity, and aligning with seasonal travel trends, the airline continues to strengthen its position as a leader in global leisure travel.

Things to Do

Mexico – Cancun
Vibe: Beachy, lively, sun-soaked
Top Places to Visit:

• Chichen Itza – A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World
• Isla Mujeres – A tranquil island just a short ferry ride away, great for snorkeling and beach lounging
• Xcaret Park – An eco-archaeological theme park with underground rivers and cultural performances
• Cenotes (like Ik Kil) – Natural sinkholes for swimming and diving
  Things to Do: Jet ski, parasail, dive in coral reefs, enjoy nightlife in the Hotel Zone, and explore local markets for authentic Mexican food and crafts.

Dominican Republic – Punta Cana
Vibe: Relaxed, tropical, resort-heavy
Top Places to Visit:

• Bávaro Beach – A long stretch of white sand lined with resorts and beach bars
• Hoyo Azul – A vivid blue cenote at the base of a cliff
• Saona Island – A beautiful island accessible by catamaran, with crystal-clear waters
  Things to Do: Zip-lining, snorkeling, off-road buggy rides, rum and cigar factory tours, or simply unwind at an all-inclusive.

USA – Aspen, Des Moines, Little Rock
Aspen, Colorado
Vibe: Chic mountain town, upscale, outdoor-focused
What to Do: Ski at Aspen Snowmass, hike Maroon Bells, shop in luxury boutiques, or catch live music and film festivals.

Des Moines, Iowa
Vibe: Friendly, low-key, artsy
What to Do: Explore the Pappajohn Sculpture Park, shop at the Downtown Farmers’ Market, or visit the State Capitol.

Little Rock, Arkansas
Vibe: Historic, riverside, southern charm
What to Do: Walk the Arkansas River Trail, tour the Clinton Presidential Library, or visit Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site.

Brazil – São Paulo
Vibe: Fast-paced, cultural, cosmopolitan
Top Places to Visit:

• Avenida Paulista – The city’s main avenue packed with museums, shopping, and dining
• Ibirapuera Park – São Paulo’s version of Central Park
• Municipal Market (Mercadão) – Known for mortadella sandwiches and exotic fruits
• São Paulo Museum of Art (MASP) – Iconic architecture and impressive art collections
  Things to Do: Take a food tour, explore street art in Vila Madalena, enjoy nightlife in Jardins, and experience Brazil’s best sushi outside Japan.

Argentina – Buenos Aires
Vibe: Elegant, romantic, tango-filled
Top Places to Visit:

• La Boca – A colorful neighborhood famous for tango and Caminito Street
• Recoleta Cemetery – Resting place of Eva Perón and an architectural marvel
• Teatro Colón – One of the most beautiful opera houses in the world
  Things to Do: Watch a tango show, eat steak at a parrilla, sip Malbec in a wine bar, or stroll San Telmo’s antiques market.

Greece – Athens
Vibe: Historic, sunlit, rich in myth
Top Places to Visit:

• Acropolis & Parthenon – A must-see ancient site with sweeping city views
• Plaka – A charming, village-like area filled with shops and tavernas
• National Archaeological Museum – Home to some of Greece’s greatest treasures
  Things to Do: Sunset at Lycabettus Hill, explore street art in Psiri, or take a day trip to Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon.

Spain – Barcelona
Vibe: Artistic, energetic, seaside
Top Places to Visit:

• Sagrada Família – Gaudí’s awe-inspiring basilica
• Park Güell – A colorful, mosaic-covered park full of creativity
• Gothic Quarter – Medieval streets and hidden tapas bars
  Things to Do: Eat tapas, visit the Picasso Museum, bike along the beach, and watch a flamenco show.

Ireland – Dublin
Vibe: Literary, lively, pub-filled
Top Places to Visit:

• Trinity College & The Book of Kells – Ireland’s oldest university and an illuminated manuscript
• Guinness Storehouse – Tour the brewery and enjoy a pint with a panoramic city view
• Temple Bar District – Lively pubs, music, and nightlife
  Things to Do: Walk along the River Liffey, explore Dublin Castle, take a literary pub crawl, or head out to nearby coastal villages like Howth.