American Airlines Launches First International Flight from Oklahoma City
The airline is launching the first-ever international flight from Oklahoma City, as well as increasing long-haul services to tropical getaways
Photo: American Airlines, Airbus A319. Courtesy of Justin Hu / Unsplash
American Airlines is set to expand its winter network, offering travelers more options for beach getaways, ski vacations, and international journeys. With new routes and increased frequencies, the airline aims to solidify its presence as a choice for leisure and long-haul travel.
New: Cancun and Punta Cana
Starting November 8, American will become the first airline to operate international flights from Oklahoma, introducing a direct route from Oklahoma City (OKC) to Cancun, Mexico (CUN).
As first noted by the airline route analyst website Ishrion Aviation, this is significant news for Oklahoma City as it has secured its first-ever international flight.
“To finally welcome a nonstop international flight to Oklahoma City for the first time in a generation is a historic moment for us,” said Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt during the announcement of the new route.
Photo: Oklahoma City. Courtesy of Alan Villegas / Unsplash
“This milestone is a testament to our city’s renaissance, as well as a reflection of our willingness to invest in ourselves. This would not have been possible without the vision of our airport leadership to construct the necessary facilities and their persistence in marketing this opportunity to the carriers.”
To accommodate OKC’s first-ever international flight, Airport Director Jeff Mudler confirmed that the Customs and Border Protection facilities within the terminal are nearing completion. “These will allow this new international service to become a reality,” he said.
“We are excited that American Airlines will be offering international flights to Cancun this winter. American is a great partner, and we appreciate their support of OKC and our community,” he said.
Graphic: Courtesy of greatcirclemap.com / Markus Englund
In addition to the new route from Oklahoma, another Caribbean destination will receive four new flights to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (PUJ).
American Airlines will expand its service by introducing Saturday-only routes from Indianapolis (IND), Nashville (BNA), Pittsburgh (PIT), and Raleigh-Durham (RDU), starting on December 6.
Brian Znotins, American’s Senior Vice President of Network Planning, highlighted the airline’s dedication to offering greater access to popular destinations. “Together with new routes, more flights on popular routes and extended seasons to major destinations, American’s schedule is designed for travelers to get away to sun, sand, and more next winter,” he said.
More: Hawaii and South America
Moving along to the long-haul side of the spectrum, travelers seeking tropical escapes during winter will have even more options with American’s expanded service to Hawaii. From November 20, daily service from Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) to Kona (KOA) will resume, complemented by a second daily flight to Kahului (OGG).
These routes to the islands will be operated with the airline’s Boeing 777-200 and 787-8 aircraft, all of which come equipped with flat beds in business class for those looking to travel to their holidays in more comfort.
Photo: Courtesy of American Airlines
Down in South America, American will also offer a significant increase in service. Starting December 18, Miami (MIA) will boost its presence in Argentina by offering four daily flights to Buenos Aires (EZE), a sizeable expansion from previous schedules.
Additionally, beginning December 3, the airline will operate 10 weekly flights from its main hub in DFW to Sao Paulo (GRU), representing a 40 percent capacity increase compared to last winter.
Plus: European Growth
For those preferring off-season European vacations, American will extend seasonal routes from key U.S. hubs. Direct flights from DFW to Dublin (DUB) will run through January 6, while flights from New York (JFK) to Barcelona (BCN) will be available until December 2.
Philadelphia (PHL) travelers will also benefit from extended service to Athens (ATH) through November 17.
Overall, American’s winter expansion remains as follows:
| Origin | Destination | Notes | Aircraft Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago (ORD) | Honolulu (HNL) | Daily, begins on Oct. 26 | Boeing 787-8 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) | Dublin (DUB) | Extends through Jan. 6 | Boeing 787-8 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) | Kahului (OGG) | Second daily service begins on Nov. 20 | Boeing 777-200 and 787-8 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) | Kona (KOA) | Daily service begins on Nov. 20 | Boeing 787-8 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) | Sao Paulo (GRU) | 10 weekly flights begin Dec. 3 | Boeing 787-9 and 787-8 |
| Miami (MIA) | Buenos Aires (EZE) | Four daily flights begin Dec. 18 | Boeing 777-300, 777-200 and 787-8 |
| New York (JFK) | Barcelona (BCN) | Service extends through Dec. 2 | Boeing 787-8 |
| Philadelphia (PHL) | Athens (ATH) | Service extends through Nov. 17 | Boeing 787-8 |
Boosting Domestic Connectivity
American is also enhancing its domestic network, adding nonstop routes to smaller cities. On October 6, new routes will launch from Los Angeles (LAX) to Des Moines (DSM) and from Phoenix (PHX) to Little Rock (LIT).
Additionally, travelers seeking ski vacations will appreciate a new seasonal route from Charlotte (CLT) to Aspen (ASE) starting December 19, providing direct access from the East Coast to the Colorado slopes.
Photo: Courtesy of American Airlines
These expanded offerings are part of American’s commitment to providing diverse travel options, ensuring travelers can plan their ideal winter getaway, whether it’s a beach retreat, a cultural exploration, or a mountain escape.
