Airlines hope for fistfuls of dollars as transatlantic flying returns

The reopening of US routes saw improved forecasts and rising shares, but there may still be turbulence to come

The golden goose is airborne again. The reopening of the US border to leisure travellers from the UK and most of Europe - with the accompanying fattening of transatlantic schedules - has finally given the long-haul airlines something to be cheerful about.

The first flights for non-essential foreign visitors - holidaymakers, friends and family - will take off on Monday. For British Airways owner IAG, not to mention rival Virgin Atlantic and other carriers, it will feel like Christmas, Thanksgiving and all their birthdays rolled into in one.