This year, the autumn tourist season for the United States has not been as lively as expected. Spaniards, like many other Europeans, are traveling across the Atlantic much less frequently. The reason lies in changes to trade policy and growing economic tensions between Washington and Brussels.
After the US authorities imposed new tariffs on European goods, the airline market experienced noticeable changes. Spanish travelers, faced with rising prices and uncertainty about the future, have become more cautious when booking flights to the US. According to analysts, the number of flights from Spain to American cities this autumn dropped by nearly 9% compared to the previous year. The decline was even greater for Germany and Italy, while France and the United Kingdom also reported a decrease in interest in trips across the Atlantic.
Airlines operating on international routes have encountered difficulties filling economy cabins. Many flights leave half-empty, forcing carriers to revise schedules and even cancel some routes. At the same time, travel agencies are reporting a decline in early bookings, and clients are increasingly choosing alternative routes within Europe or to other regions of the world.
The situation worsened after the European Commission and the White House agreed on new trade terms. Since August 2025, most European goods imported into the US are subject to a 15-percent tariff. In return, European countries agreed to increase purchases of American energy resources and to invest significant sums in the US economy. However, these measures have not stabilized the market quickly: uncertainty persists, and tourists prefer not to take risks.
Experts note that if the economic situation does not change, the trend of declining travel to the US may continue next year. Spanish travelers, accustomed to stability and predictability, are now forced to reconsider their plans and look for new destinations for leisure and business.
