What destinations does Northwest Airlines serve?

Air Travel

By Kristy Tolley

Northwest Airlines’ Network

Northwest Airlines was a major American airline that operated from 1926 until 2010. It was known for its extensive network of domestic and international destinations, which it served through its hub airports in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Detroit, and Memphis. Northwest Airlines was also a member of the SkyTeam airline alliance, which gave it access to a wider range of routes and destinations worldwide.

Domestic Destinations: Where to Go in the US

Northwest Airlines served over 200 domestic destinations across the United States, including major cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Atlanta. Its hub airports in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Detroit, and Memphis offered connections to smaller regional airports in the Midwest and South. Northwest Airlines also had a strong presence in Alaska, serving destinations such as Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau.

International Destinations: Crossing Borders

Northwest Airlines had an extensive network of international destinations in Asia, Europe, Latin America, and Canada/Mexico. Its hub airports in Minneapolis/St. Paul and Detroit were key gateways to Asia, with flights to cities such as Tokyo, Beijing, Shanghai, and Seoul. Northwest Airlines also served major European cities such as London, Paris, Amsterdam, and Madrid, as well as popular vacation destinations in Mexico and the Caribbean.

Asia and the Pacific: Exploring the East

Northwest Airlines was a major player in the Asia-Pacific region, with flights to more than 20 destinations in Japan, China, Korea, and Southeast Asia. Its hub airports in Minneapolis/St. Paul and Detroit offered connections to other cities in the US and Canada. Northwest Airlines was also the first US carrier to offer nonstop service between the US and China, with flights from Detroit to Shanghai and Beijing.

Europe: From London to Madrid

Northwest Airlines served more than 20 destinations in Europe, including major business and leisure destinations such as London, Paris, Amsterdam, and Madrid. Its hub airport in Amsterdam provided connections to other European cities through its partnership with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. Northwest Airlines also operated seasonal flights to vacation destinations such as Athens, Barcelona, and Lisbon.

Latin America: From Beaches to Ancient Ruins

Northwest Airlines served several destinations in Latin America, including popular vacation spots such as Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, and Cabo San Lucas in Mexico, as well as San Juan in Puerto Rico. It also flew to major cities such as Mexico City, Buenos Aires, and Sao Paulo. Northwest Airlines was known for its service to Peru, with flights to Lima and Cuzco, the gateway to the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu.

Canada and Mexico: North of the Border

Northwest Airlines had an extensive network of flights to Canada, with service to cities such as Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, and Calgary. Its hub airport in Detroit was a key gateway to Canada, offering connections to other cities in the US and overseas. Northwest Airlines also served several destinations in Mexico, including Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, and Cabo San Lucas.

Codeshare Routes: Partnerships for More Options

Northwest Airlines had partnerships with several other airlines, including KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Japan Airlines. These partnerships allowed Northwest Airlines to offer additional destinations and connections to its passengers. For example, through its partnership with KLM, Northwest Airlines was able to offer flights to additional European cities such as Rome, Berlin, and Vienna.

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Kristy Tolley

Kristy Tolley, an accomplished editor at TravelAsker, boasts a rich background in travel content creation. Before TravelAsker, she led editorial efforts at Red Ventures Puerto Rico, shaping content for Platea English. Kristy's extensive two-decade career spans writing and editing travel topics, from destinations to road trips. Her passion for travel and storytelling inspire readers to embark on their own journeys.

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