Level will suspend its direct flights from Barcelona to Boston and Los Angeles starting in October. The airline cites operational efficiency and shifting demand. The move follows earlier reductions in US-bound routes from El Prat.
Level will discontinue its direct flights from Barcelona to Boston and Los Angeles beginning in October, marking a significant shift in the airline's transatlantic operations. The decision, confirmed by company sources and first reported by La Vanguardia, coincides with the start of the winter season and reflects a broader strategy to focus on routes with more stable and profitable demand.
The airline attributes the suspension to operational and efficiency considerations, emphasizing a need to prioritize connections that demonstrate consistent year-round interest and stronger financial returns. According to Level, the company is reinforcing its presence in markets with higher value and greater growth potential, while scaling back on routes that are more seasonal or less resilient in terms of profitability.
This move follows a previous adjustment announced in April, when Level reduced the frequency of several US-bound flights for the summer season, including services to Boston, New York, and Los Angeles. Additionally, the airline had already suspended its Barcelona–San Francisco route, signaling a broader reevaluation of its North American network.
Level, launched in 2017 under the International Airlines Group (IAG) umbrella—which also includes British Airways, Iberia, and Vueling—was created to maintain IAG's competitive position at Barcelona's El Prat Airport without disrupting Iberia's operations at Madrid-Barajas. Iberia continues to provide aircraft and crew for Level's flights, allowing the brand to operate long-haul services from Barcelona.
The changes at Level highlight the ongoing challenges faced by airlines in balancing route profitability with fluctuating international demand. Barcelona's El Prat Airport has long served as a key hub for transatlantic travel from Spain, but airlines have increasingly had to adapt their offerings in response to shifting passenger patterns and economic pressures. The focus on consolidating more resilient routes suggests that Level is seeking to optimize its network for long-term sustainability, even if it means reducing direct options for travelers between Catalonia and major US cities.
In the broader context, Spain's aviation sector has seen several adjustments in recent years as carriers respond to evolving market conditions, regulatory changes, and competition from both traditional and low-cost operators. The suspension of these routes may impact connectivity for both business and leisure travelers, but also reflects a wider industry trend toward streamlining operations and concentrating resources where demand is strongest. As airlines continue to recalibrate their strategies, passengers departing from Barcelona may see further changes in available long-haul destinations in the coming seasons.
