Concorde 'to return in just months’ cutting 5 hours off UK to America flights

Nearly 20 years after Concorde ceased flights, the prestigious plane could make its return to the skies. Tech companies say that from 2026, Concorde could once again fly passengers at a much shorter travel time than provided by planes currently available.

You may be wondering why it's been so long since this supersonic plane has been in the skies but the new announcement comes after one crucial change. A piece of US legislation has been signed in June 2025, which removes the long-standing ban on supersonic travel over the land. 

This major change now opens the door for routes across North America and beyond, reports Euro Weekly News.

The original Concorde was plagued by loud noises, which would be improved in a new model by modern noise-reduction technologies.

A company called Fly‑Concorde Ltd, backed by international engineers and aviation entrepreneurs, is spearheading the revival. 

Its new aircraft would be an updated version of the original Concorde with many new innovative features.

The new jets will run on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), be 50% lighter than their 20th-century predecessor and operate at altitudes around 60,000 feet.

Nicholas Smith, Holidays Digital Director at Thomas Cook and eSky online travel agency, told Express.co.uk: “While it's thrilling to imagine this aviation icon back in the skies, it’s unlikely to appeal to the average holidaymaker from the UK jetting off to Benidorm for a week in the sun. 

“We see the future of mainstream air travel heading towards larger, more efficient aircraft designed to carry more people, not fewer. 

“That said, a modern relaunch focused on sustainability, digital innovation, and safety could carve out a niche for high-end, short-haul luxury routes - such as London to New York in under four hours. 

“It’s not a mass-market solution, but for time-sensitive premium travellers, it could once again become the pinnacle of prestige flying.”

The plan is to have the first commercial flights coincide with the 50th anniversary of Concorde’s first transatlantic flight in 1976, reports say.

Routes such as New York to London or Los Angeles to Washington could be completed in just two hours compared to the current six to seven.