American Airlines drops nonstops to Brisbane, Doha, Paris and Zurich

American Airlines has dropped four long-haul nonstop routes from its network during 2026, according to Simple Flying. The routes link the United States with Brisbane, Doha, Paris and Zurich. Using data from the analytics firm Cirium, the outlet says the changes reflect seasonal demand shifts and better aircraft utilisation. Travellers who relied on these services will need other carriers or connecting itineraries.

The four routes affected

Simple Flying lists the following changes:

• Los Angeles to Brisbane: ended in January 2026, after only two months of service. Qantas remains the only year-round operator, while Delta adds seasonal flights over the Southern Hemisphere summer.
• Philadelphia to Doha: ended in February 2026. The outlet links the decision to regional conflict in the Middle East and the safety and security concerns it raises for airlines. Qatar Airways, an alliance partner, is now the sole operator.
• Miami to Paris Charles de Gaulle: ended in March 2026, shortly before the busy summer season, following a change in seasonal transatlantic demand. Air France is the only operator left on the route. Simple Flying notes that French Bee flies to Paris Orly, which offers indirect competition.
• Dallas/Fort Worth to Zurich: moved to a Northern Hemisphere summer seasonal service and ended in August 2026. According to Simple Flying, no future schedule is confirmed, even for 2027.

Wider network context

Simple Flying says American Airlines is the world's largest airline by number of flights but ranks third for long-haul services from the United States. The outlet's analysis suggests the carrier will average about 78 long-haul departures a day next summer. Its long-haul network covers Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and South America.

The article also recounts earlier retreats. Over two decades, American has left 13 European airports, including London Gatwick, London Stansted and Manchester. It has abolished 11 South American routes and dropped Asian services to Beijing Capital, Doha, Hong Kong and Osaka Kansai.

What this means for travellers

• Australia: nonstop options between the US West Coast and Brisbane now rest with Qantas, with Delta flying seasonally. See our American Airlines and Qantas comparison for more.
• Qatar: Philadelphia passengers heading to Doha must use Qatar Airways or connect elsewhere. Our American Airlines and Qatar Airways comparison may help.
• France: Miami to Paris nonstop travel is now limited to Air France.
• Switzerland: there is no confirmed nonstop from Dallas/Fort Worth to Zurich, so connections are the only option for now.

Simple Flying does not say how existing bookings were handled or whether American plans to resume any of these routes. Passengers holding tickets should check with the airline directly.

Sources: Simple Flying