United Airlines has announced six new destinations from the United States. Beginning in 2026, the aircraft will launch flights from Newark to Croatia, Italy, Scotland, and Spain. This represents a robust expansion of its intercontinental network with the addition of these four destinations in Europe, a new route to Iceland, and increased capacity in Asia and the Middle East. This includes a first-ever connection between Washington, D.C., and Iceland, and a new daily service from New York to Seoul, South Korea.
The airline strengthens its position in the transatlantic market, offering unique connections
This is unprecedented news, connecting two continents with new routes. The company will launch nonstop flights from Newark Airport (EWR) to Santiago de Compostela (Spain), Bari (Italy), Split (Croatia), and Glasgow (Scotland). United will reach a total of 153 international destinations, consolidating its position as the U.S. airline with the broadest global network. With these additions, the airline strengthens its position in the transatlantic market, offering unique connections not operated by other U.S. carriers in the cases of Galicia, Bari, and Split.
The expansion also includes the route between Washington and Dulles (IAD) and Reykjavik (Iceland)
This is great news for those who straddle both continents, or for those who previously had to make stopovers and now find direct flights from their cities. The expansion also includes the route between Washington and Dulles (IAD) and Reykjavik (Iceland), new service between Newark and Seoul-Incheon (ICN) in South Korea, and increased frequencies on the popular route to Tel Aviv (TLV) from Newark. “United has an unparalleled international network, and we are proud to connect our customers to unique and forward-thinking destinations that no other U.S. airline serves,” said Patrick Quayle, senior vice president of global network planning and alliances.
The flight to Croatia will begin operating on April 30th of next year, with three scheduled weekly flights
For example, the flight to Croatia will begin operating on April 30th of next year, with three scheduled weekly flights. Split is one of the most picturesque cities on the Adriatic, known for its Roman heritage and its beaches near the Dalmatian Islands. This is a plus that will surely be reflected in the European country’s hospitality and tourism figures. These new operations, which are subject to government approval, are in addition to the resumption of successful seasonal destinations such as Ulaanbaatar (Mongolia), Nuuk (Greenland), and Palermo (Sicily), consolidating an offering of nearly 3,000 weekly round-trip flights for the 2026 peak season. It’s a risky and, at the same time, impressive bet.
This step forward represents a clear international positioning for United Airlines
The flight to Bari is also good news for Italy. Starting in May of next year, four weekly flights will be implemented on this route. This flight positions United as the only US airline to operate this connection. Bari, in the Puglia region, is one of the most important ports in the Adriatic and a departure point for Greece, Albania, and other Mediterranean destinations. This is United’s sixth destination in Italy and a route that will be operated with Boeing 767-300ER aircraft.
Asia isn’t far behind. The Newark-Seoul-Incheon route will launch in September 2026, with a daily flight. The South Korean capital, a global center of technology, gastronomy, and pop culture, thus joins the growing number of Asian destinations in the airline’s network. Being able to connect two countries, so far apart, with such different cultures, and with the possibility of direct flights, is good for both technology giants. Finally, the airline also plans to add a third daily flight between Newark and Tel Aviv starting March 28, 2026. Ultimately, this step forward represents a clear international positioning for United Airlines.
