The iconic Concorde could be set to make a return to the skies in the coming years, with the supersonic aircraft set to cut journey times in half for passengers
The iconic Concorde could be set to make a return to the skies(Image: Wirestock via Getty Images)
A travel expert has shed light on what the resurgence of supersonic air travel could mean for future passengers. Nearly two decades after the grounding of the iconic Concorde, it appears the legendary aircraft may soon grace our skies once more.
Tech firms are suggesting that by 2026, passengers could be experiencing supersonic journeys again, with flight durations significantly shorter than those currently offered by commercial airlines. One might question why it’s taken so long for supersonic flight to stage a comeback – but a pivotal development has now paved the way. In June 2025, the United States enacted a key piece of legislation that lifted the longstanding ban on supersonic travel over land.
As reported by Euro Weekly News, this significant policy shift opens up the potential for new routes across North America and beyond. The original Concorde was criticised for its noise levels, but updated models aim to address this issue with contemporary noise-reduction technology, reports the Express.
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The revival is being spearheaded by FlyConcorde Ltd, a firm supported by international engineers and aviation innovators. Their revamped version of the Concorde will boast a range of new design features and state-of-the-art technology.
The aircraft will run on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), weigh roughly 50% less than its 20th-century predecessor, and fly at altitudes of up to 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.”
Reports indicate that the inaugural commercial flights are planned to mark the 50th anniversary of Concorde’s first transatlantic voyage in 1976.
Flight durations on routes including London to New York or Los Angeles to Washington could be slashed to merely two hours – a substantial reduction from the present six to seven hours.
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