Another Delta route to Germany is on the chopping block, this time it’s New York-JFK to Munich getting the axe. The cut was first reported by IshrionA and is the second Delta cut to Germany in as many months. The carrier is also dropping its Atlanta (ATL) to Stuttgart (STR) service. Both services are scheduled seasonal routes though the carrier appears to have no plans to bring the route back next summer.
The route is currently operated using Boeing 767-400ER aircraft and will cease on October 26th. Unlike the elimination of the Atlanta to Stuttgart route, Munich will still be well served from the Big Apple with daily service from New York-JFK on Lufthansa and double daily service from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) on both Lufthansa and United.
Unlike the elimination of the Stuttgart service, where Delta operated the only transatlantic service from the German city, Munich is still connected to the Delta network via flights to and from its superhub at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL)
This cut is somewhat surprising to me considering Delta’s large international operation in New York. The carrier recently opened a new Delta One Lounge in JFK’s Terminal 4 for its premium international travelers which would indicate an increased focus on international connectivity from the airport.
I’ve got to assume that O/D passengers in New York and Germany are overwhelmingly flying with Star Alliance carriers (United operates a hub in Newark and Lufthansa has hubs in Frankfurt (FRA) and Munich). The SkyTeam carrier has likely decided to cede the local traffic between the two cities (which still see 3x daily flights) and connect passengers through Atlanta instead.
Summary
Delta is eliminating its route between New York-JFK and Munich, Germany. The carrier will still fly to Munich via its Atlanta hub and, travelers on the New York-Munich route will still have 3x daily options on Lufthansa and United. It’s interesting to see Delta cutting in New York, especially on summer seasonal routes to Europe, and we’ll have to wait and see what the airline plans to do next.