The Connecticut Airport Authority (CAA) is actively working to establish nonstop passenger flights from Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, to London. Connecticut exported approximately $1.1 billion in goods to the United Kingdom last year, making the U.K. the state’s sixth-largest export destination. Pratt & Whitney, a Connecticut-based jet engine manufacturer, recently announced at the Farnborough International Airshow that British Airways has ordered 33 Airbus A320neo aircraft equipped with Pratt’s GTF engines, with options for 30 additional planes.
British Airways, the U.K.’s flagship airline, currently operates services from London Heathrow Airport to American airports including John F. Kennedy in
New York, Newark Liberty in New Jersey, and Boston Logan in Massachusetts. While no formal negotiations have been disclosed between British Airways and CAA for Bradley International service, CAA officials stated they regularly engage with existing and potential airline partners to explore new international and domestic routes.
Recent Route Changes at Bradley International
Aer Lingus resumed flights from Bradley to Dublin in March 2023 after a three-year suspension caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Air Canada restarted service to Toronto in June 2022 but later paused it. Avelo Airlines ceased operations at Bradley at the beginning of 2026, having previously flown to Cancún, Montego Bay, and Punta
Cana. Spirit Airlines discontinued its Bradley-Montego Bay route in late spring 2023 due to low ticket sales and exited Bradley by October 2025 prior to shutting down completely in early 2026. United Airlines began a year-round route from Bradley to Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport on May 22, 2026, while Breeze Airways launched a seasonal connection to Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport on May 29, 2026.
Passenger Traffic and Airline Market Dynamics
Bradley International handled about 2 million passengers from January through April 2026, representing a 3.5% decline compared to the previous year. CAA attributed this decrease primarily to the withdrawal of ultra-low-cost carriers Avelo Airlines
and Spirit Airlines. Despite the setbacks, CAA officials expressed that passenger volumes lost in the low-cost market segment are expected to be recaptured gradually as other airlines expand their Bradley services. However, they emphasized that ongoing economic and geopolitical challenges continue to constrain airline growth prospects.
Industry Collaboration and Economic Links
The InsurTech Corridor, launched in 2022, aims to support insurance companies operating between Connecticut and the U.K., potentially contributing to future passenger demand between Bradley and London. The MetroHartford Alliance sponsors this U.S.-side initiative through its Connecticut Insurance and Financial Services program. W.R. Berkley, a Fortune 500 insurance company headquartered in Greenwich, Connecticut, maintains
offices in both Greenwich and London, showcasing the strong business ties between the two regions.
CAA Official Statements on Route Development Challenges
CAA representatives acknowledged the difficulties in securing new international and long-haul routes amid current economic and geopolitical conditions. They stated, “The CAA is continuing to actively pursue nonstop service to London, as well as a number of other major international and domestic destinations.” They added, “We regularly meet with our existing airline partners, as well as airlines not currently operating at BDL, to discuss these opportunities.” Regarding nonstop service to Canada, CAA said there are no immediate plans to resume it due to unique challenges
in the market.
Rick Deurloo, president of commercial engines at Pratt & Whitney, commented on British Airways’ recent engine order: “Today marks a pivotal moment and a strong vote of confidence in the GTF engine as the U.K.’s flagship carrier, British Airways, becomes the newest GTF customer. As the most fuel-efficient choice for the A320neo aircraft, the GTF engine will help British Airways achieve its international fleet expansion goals and enhance the travel experience for passengers.”
Gene Goddard, chief business investment officer of the MetroHartford Alliance, noted the InsurTech Corridor’s impact: “The impact has been great.”
CAA officials concluded, “The CAA believes that passenger traffic lost due to contraction in the ultra-low-cost carrier market segment will be recaptured in the
future with other airlines increasing their service over time. That being said, all of the airlines are currently operating in a growth-constrained environment given recent economic and geopolitical conditions, and this will be a gradual change.”
