US low-cost carrier JetBlue is coming to Edinburgh in 2024 with the launch of its first-ever Scottish route to New York.

Glaswegians travelling to the airport can now use the airline which will run a summer service from Edinburgh Airport to New York JFK from May to September, marking the first time it has ever operated in Scotland. Flights will depart daily on an Airbus A321neo.

The addition of this route further enhances connectivity to North America out of Scotland’s busiest airport, with transatlantic capacity in 2023 up 51% on 2019 levels.

“It’s always a big moment when we welcome an airline to Edinburgh for the first time and the arrival of JetBlue will be an exciting step as we further strengthen our links to North America," said Gordon Dewar, chief executive of Edinburgh Airport. "Edinburgh and New York are both hugely popular places to visit and I’m thrilled that this new service will provide even more opportunities to connect between two of the world’s great cities.

“It’s extremely important to us, as Scotland’s airport, that we continue to build on the momentum of 2023 and offer fantastic choice for our passengers. The arrival of this route allows us to do that – enhancing leisure travel, business links and allowing people more chance to reunite with family and friends across the pond.”

Scottish minister for tourism and trade Richard Lochhead said today's announcement strengthens the case for establishing a US pre-clearance border facility at Edinburgh Airport, allowing customers to pass through immigration, customs and agricultural inspections prior to boarding their flight. There are currently 15 US preclearance facilities in six countries around the world: nine in Canada, three in the Bahamas, two in Ireland and one Abu Dhabi.

VisitScotland chief executive Malcolm Roughead also welcomed news of the new route as further evidence of strong demand from American tourists.

"The US is our most important global market bringing visitors who often stay longer and spend more exploring all our country has to offer," he said.

“Good connectivity helps makes Scotland a more desirable destination, boosting inbound tourism which in turn grows the wider visitor economy, helping create jobs and sustain communities. It is therefore vital we continue to make it as easy as possible for international visitors to come to Scotland.”