JFK's long-haul routes are a coveted destination for many airlines, but reaching a load factor of 70% can be tough.
According to the Department of Transportation, ten long-haul routes failed to meet this threshold between March 2025 and February 2026.
The data reveals that Kuwait Airways' route to Kuwait International Airport was the emptiest during this period, with a load factor of just 50.63%.
This stark contrast highlights the difficulties airlines face in filling long-haul routes at JFK, which remains a competitive market.
The top three emptiest routes were all African corridors, with Delta Air Lines' route to Lagos and Ethiopian Airlines' route to Addis Ababa being among them.
Despite the challenges, some airlines are investing heavily in JFK, including expanding their services and upgrading their facilities.
Azores Airlines' service to Ponta Delgada is currently operating, but its other routes have been suspended due to low demand.
The data also shows that European routes dominate the list of emptiest long-haul routes at JFK, with Azores Airlines' Terceira route being the fourth-most empty.
As airlines continue to navigate the complexities of the aviation industry, it's clear that filling long-haul routes at JFK will remain a significant challenge.
The data highlights the challenges airlines face in filling long-haul routes at JFK, which remains a competitive market.
