The Department of Defense announced significant changes coming to military travel options in Europe. Starting October 1, 2025, the Patriot Express Route service will discontinue at five key European locations:
- NSA Naples and NAS Sigonella in Italy
- Incirlik AB in Turkey
- NSA Souda Bay in Greece
- Naval Station Rota in Spain.
This discontinuation comes due to low ridership, which doesn't justify operational costs. This change affects thousands of military families stationed across Europe who have relied on these predictable, affordable travel options.
Understanding the Patriot Express Program
The Patriot Express serves as a vital transportation link for military personnel and their families. This commercial charter service, contracted by the Department of Defense, provides flights for official duty travel, including PCS moves and personal leave. Unlike Space-A flights that operate on a mission-based schedule, the Patriot Express offers predictable, regularly scheduled departures.
The program has delivered substantial benefits to military families over the years. Families can travel together on scheduled flights with guaranteed seats, making travel planning more reliable. The service also accommodates pets, which proves crucial during PCS moves when families relocate with their furry companions. Most importantly, families benefit from significantly reduced travel costs compared to commercial flights.
While both Patriot Express and Space-A flights serve military communities, they operate differently. Space-A flights depend on available space on military aircraft completing various missions, making departure times unpredictable. The Patriot Express runs on fixed schedules, though this predictability comes at higher operational costs.
Current Patriot Express routes continue serving major hubs across Europe, including Ramstein Air Base and Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany, Aviano Air Base in Italy, Lajes Field Air Base in Portugal, and RAF Mildenhall in the UK.
How These Changes Impact Military Families
PCS Moves
Your PCS entitlements remain unchanged. The military continues covering airline tickets and lodging costs in accordance with the Joint Travel Regulations.
However, families with multiple pets face new challenges since commercial airlines impose restrictions that military charters don't.
Pet transportation reimbursement covers only one household pet (cats and dogs only) up to $2,000 for overseas moves. Families with multiple pets or larger breeds requiring special accommodations will need to budget for additional commercial fees.
Leave Travel
The discontinuity creates mixed effects for families traveling home. Increased commercial airfare costs represent the obvious downside, but reduced wait times and more flight options provide some compensation.
You'll have access to more departure times and destinations when booking commercial flights.
Adapting Your Travel Strategy
Space-A Options Still Exist
Don't assume all military flight options disappeared. Space-A flights continue operating from these locations on mission-based aircraft. You'll need to monitor flight schedules more closely and maintain flexibility in your travel dates.
Consider traveling to locations that retain Patriot Express service. Flying commercially or via Space-A to Ramstein, Spangdahlem, Aviano, Lajes Field, or RAF Mildenhall could connect you to rotator flights for the remainder of your journey.
Sign up for Space-A early to improve your selection chances and have a backup plan, as the likelihood of travel plans shifting increases when using Space-A travel.
Alternative Transportation
Europe offers excellent public transportation networks. Transform single trips home into European adventures using trains, buses, and budget airlines to reach major departure hubs.
This approach can reduce costs while adding memorable experiences to your travels.
PCS Planning Adjustments
If you're currently stationed at affected locations with multiple pets, contact your Transportation Management Office immediately.
Ask about options for traveling to alternative departure points with Patriot Express service. While this may involve some non-reimbursable costs, it could prove more economical than commercial pet fees.
For future overseas assignments, start planning now. Consider arrangements with friends or family who might care for additional pets during your move.
Alternatively, begin saving for commercial pet transportation fees beyond the single-pet reimbursement limit.
Moving Forward
This represents a significant change for military families who have depended on reliable Patriot Express Route service at these five European locations. The discontinuation requires adjusting your travel planning and budgeting approach.
Yet this situation also presents an opportunity to apply the adaptability and resilience that military life continuously teaches us. By staying flexible, exploring alternative options, and planning ahead, families can continue connecting with loved ones and managing successful PCS moves despite these transportation changes.
The military community's strength lies in supporting each other through transitions. Share your experiences and creative solutions with fellow families as everyone navigates these new travel realities together.
Suggested reads:
