United Airlines Strengthens Transatlantic Leadership with Flights to New Cities in Croatia, Italy, Scotland, and Spain for Summer 2026
United Airlines has unveiled its Summer 2026 schedule, featuring direct flights to four new European cities: Split (Croatia), Bari (Italy), Glasgow (Scotland), and Santiago de Compostela (Spain). With this expansion, the company reinforces its position as the US airline with the most destinations across the Atlantic.
Patrick Quayle, Senior Vice President of Global Planning and Alliances, highlighted: “United has an unparalleled international network. With these new routes and the return of last year’s destinations, we fly to 46 cities in Europe, more than any other airline, solidifying our role as the true flag carrier of the United States.”
New Destinations from Newark
Starting summer 2026, United will be the only US airline operating nonstop flights from its Newark hub to the following cities:
Split, Croatia: Beginning April 30, United will offer three weekly flights on Boeing 767-300ER aircraft. Split will allow travelers to explore Diocletian’s Palace, St. Domnius Cathedral, and enjoy the coastal atmosphere of the Riva promenade. Additionally, passengers will have easy access to Dalmatian islands like Hvar. United is currently the only airline with direct flights from the US to Croatia, with its seasonal route to Dubrovnik.
Bari, Italy: The connection to Bari, starting May 1 with four weekly flights on Boeing 767-300ER aircraft, will open the door to the Puglia region. Travelers can visit hilltop towns, Adriatic beaches, and the famous Trulli of Alberobello. United will be the only US airline with direct service to both Bari and Palermo, and will offer up to 15 daily flights to Italy next summer.
Glasgow, Scotland: Daily service between Newark and Glasgow will begin on May 8 aboard a Boeing 737 MAX 8. This city, chosen by Condé Nast Traveler as the friendliest in the UK in 2025, is renowned for its architecture, parks, museums, and vibrant music scene. United already operates year-round flights to Edinburgh, solidifying its position as the largest airline between the US and Scotland.
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Santiago de Compostela, Spain: Starting May 22, United will connect Newark with Santiago de Compostela three times per week on a Boeing 737 MAX 8. This will be the first regular service between the US and the Galician capital, the endpoint of the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. With this addition, the airline will fly to six Spanish destinations: Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga, Palma de Mallorca, Bilbao, and Santiago, and will be the only carrier offering direct flights to Bilbao, Malaga, and Palma.
Expansion Beyond Europe
United will also add new routes to Iceland, South Korea, and Israel:
Reykjavik, Iceland: Daily service between Washington-Dulles and Reykjavik will begin on May 21 aboard a Boeing 757-200. United will be the only airline offering lie-flat business class seats on this route between the two capitals. Passengers can enjoy natural wonders like the Blue Lagoon, the Midnight Sun, and the Northern Lights. Since 2019, the company has added nine transatlantic destinations from Washington.
Seoul, South Korea: Starting September 4, United will offer daily flights between Newark and Seoul with a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, adding to its two daily flights from San Francisco. This connection will provide more options for those wishing to explore Korean culture, from Gwangjang Market to K-pop music and world-renowned beauty treatments.
Tel Aviv, Israel: A fourth weekly flight from Newark to Tel Aviv will be added on March 28, also operated with a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. With this addition, United will offer multiple frequencies from Chicago, Washington, and Newark, strengthening its position as the leading US airline to Israel.
Return of Notable Routes
Following the success of its historic 2025 expansion, United will resume all routes launched that year, including Ulaanbaatar (Mongolia), Faro and Madeira (Portugal), Palermo (Italy), Bilbao (Spain), Nuuk (Greenland), Dakar (Senegal), Kaohsiung (Taiwan), and Puerto Escondido (Mexico).
In August 2025, the company broke records by carrying nearly 1.5 million passengers to Italy, Spain, and Portugal, an 11% increase over the previous year. Furthermore, its inaugural flight to Nuuk became the most successful route launch in the airline’s history.
A Growing Global Network
For the summer of 2026, United will offer more than 850 daily operations to over 150 international destinations, including 41 cities that no other US airline serves.
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