Transatlantic Flights Slump as Brescia Loses US Tourists and Revenue
Cirium’s analysis shows a sharp drop in transatlantic flights, with bookings from Europe to the United States down 15.34% year over year and bookings in the opposite direction down 11.19%; international reads range from -14% to -7%. The downturn is driven by high jet-fuel prices, which have risen to double digits in the US and Europe, along with supply issues and operational glitches at hubs in Doha, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi that have led to cancellations and capacity reductions. Proximity tourism is rebounding, particularly from Lombardy and Veneto, while long-haul traffic remains slow.
In Brescia province, Andrea Maggioni of Fiepet Confesercenti notes US tourists generate about 180,000 annual arrivals (roughly 2% of total arrivals), with an average daily spend of $447 and stays of 3–4 days; direct spend per tourist is estimated at €1,500–€1,800. Italy hosted 8.1 million US visitors in 2024 who spent €6.4 billion, with Lombardy accounting for 47% of national tax-free revenue and Brescia province for 17% of US-related tax-free income; a 10% decline in American arrivals to Brescia could mean a loss of €22–€27 million. Underlying factors include a weaker dollar, greater caution among high earners (per a Deloitte 2026 study), geopolitical tensions, and broader reductions in international mobility and early bookings.
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