United Airlines Reveals Exciting New Transatlantic and Global Routes for Summer 2026

CHICAGO- United Airlines (UA) has unveiled its schedule for Summer 2026, which includes nonstop flights from Newark/New York (EWR) to four exciting new European destinations: Split (SPU) in Croatia, Bari (BRI) in Italy, Glasgow (GLA) in Scotland, and Santiago de Compostela (SCQ) in Spain.

This strategic expansion highlights United’s position as the leading US airline across the Atlantic, with plans to connect 46 cities next year.

In addition, the airline is set to introduce daily nonstop flights from Washington-Dulles (IAD) to Reykjavik (KEF), Iceland, and from Newark (EWR) to Seoul (ICN), South Korea, while also increasing services to Tel Aviv (TLV), Israel. Tickets are now available for purchase through the United website and mobile app, pending governmental approval.

These new routes build on United’s ambitious growth in 2025, offering nearly 3,000 weekly round-trip flights on routes worldwide.

United Airlines Routes for Summer 2026 Schedule

Starting April 30, 2026, United Airlines will offer the only nonstop service to Split (SPU) from Newark (EWR), operating three times a week on Boeing 767-300ER aircraft.

This route is significant as it connects travelers directly to Croatia for the first time from the US, complementing existing seasonal flights to Dubrovnik (DBV). The stunning Split features historical landmarks like Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Cathedral of Saint Domnius, the oldest Catholic cathedral in Europe.

Dining along the lively Riva promenade, visitors can savor fresh seafood and risotto, and take day trips to Hvar Island, known for its lavender fields and pristine beaches.

Bari (BRI) will be added on May 1, 2026, with four weekly nonstop flights from Newark (EWR) on Boeing 767-300ER aircraft, granting access to the picturesque hilltop villages and crystal-clear waters of Puglia.

Travelers will have the opportunity to explore the Trulli beehive houses in Alberobello and visit the historic Old Town with its basilica. Additionally, the port of Bari offers ferry services to Albania, Croatia, and Greece, broadening travel possibilities.

United now connects six cities in Italy, including unique nonstop service to Palermo (PMO), with a total of up to 15 flights daily planned for next summer.

Glasgow (GLA) will receive daily seasonal service from Newark (EWR) starting May 8, 2026, on Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft.

As Scotland’s largest city and recently recognized as the friendliest city in the UK by Conde Nast Traveler, Glasgow boasts beautiful parks, the Kelvingrove Art Gallery housing Impressionist paintings, and a UNESCO-designated City of Music, hosting regular concerts. This new service accompanies year-round flights to Edinburgh (EDI), enhancing United’s dominance on US-Scotland routes.

The Santiago de Compostela (SCQ) route will commence three weekly nonstop flights from Newark (EWR) starting May 22, 2026, also utilizing Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft. This historic city is famous for its Gothic cathedrals and medieval streets, marking a prized pilgrimage destination.

With this expansion, United now serves six cities in Spain, uniquely offering nonstop flights to Bilbao (BIO), Malaga (AGP), and Palma de Mallorca (PMI), along with Madrid (MAD) and Barcelona (BCN).

Boosting Connectivity to Iceland, Korea, and Israel

United will initiate daily flights from Washington-Dulles (IAD) to Reykjavik (KEF) starting May 21, 2026, utilizing Boeing 757-200 aircraft equipped with lie-flat business class seats, the only option of this kind between the capitals.

This service complements existing routes from Chicago-O’Hare (ORD) and Newark (EWR), providing travelers easy access to the Blue Lagoon spas, breathtaking Northern Lights, and unique black-sand beaches. Since 2019, Dulles has added nine new transatlantic routes, including year-round flights to Dakar (DSS) and seasonal flights to Venice (VCE) and Nice (NCE).

Seoul (ICN) will benefit from daily nonstop flights from Newark (EWR) starting September 4, 2026, using Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, making United the only U.S. airline serving this direct route to South Korea.

This addition complements the twice-daily service from San Francisco (SFO), introducing travelers to flavors at Gwangjang Market, exciting K-pop performances, and wellness spa experiences.

Tel Aviv (TLV) will welcome a third weekly flight from Newark (EWR) on March 28, 2026, also operated by the Boeing 787-9, increasing the total frequency to 18 weekly flights. This enhancement will support twice-daily service from Newark, alongside additional flights from Chicago-O’Hare (ORD) and Dulles (IAD) starting in November.

United leads the US airlines in service to Tel Aviv, establishing itself as the primary link between Chicago and Washington D.C. to this vibrant city.

Reviving Routes from 2025

United will restore its nine prior destinations from a record 2025 expansion, having transported 1.5 million passengers to Italy, Spain, and Portugal by August—a notable 11% increase. Nuuk (GOH), Greenland, saw the fastest booking in history for this service.

New schedules include:

• Puerto Escondido (PXM), Mexico – operating year-round
• Ulaanbaatar (UBN), Mongolia – resuming April 30
• Faro (FAO), Portugal – resuming May 15
• Madeira Island (FNC), Portugal – starting May 16 (three weeks earlier)
• Palermo (PMO), Italy – resuming May 22
• Bilbao (BIO), Spain – resuming May 30
• Nuuk (GOH), Greenland – commencing June 6 (one week earlier)
• Kaohsiung (KHH), Taiwan – operating year-round
• Dakar (DSS), Senegal – operating year-round

This diverse range of routes encompasses idyllic beaches, stunning glaciers, historic cities, and cultural treasures, with United operating over 150 global destinations, 41 of which are exclusively available to US travelers through more than 850 daily flights.