United Airlines is continuing its ambitious European expansion, announcing a series of new routes for summer 2026 that will connect the U.S. to more destinations across Europe than any other American carrier. The airline is adding four new cities to its network – Split in Croatia, Bari in Italy, Glasgow in Scotland and Santiago de Compostela in Spain – all launching from its Newark hub.
The expansion reinforces United’s position as the largest carrier across the Atlantic, with service to 46 European cities planned for next year. In addition to its new routes, United will also begin a new daily service from Washington-Dulles to Reykjavik, Iceland, and year-round flights from Newark to Seoul, South Korea. A third weekly service between Newark and Tel Aviv will further strengthen its Middle East network.
Patrick Quayle, Senior Vice President of Global Network Planning and Alliances, described the additions as a continuation of United’s international leadership. “With the addition of these new flights and the return of all of our new routes from last year, United now flies to 46 cities across the Atlantic – more than any other airline – and is the clear flag carrier of the U.S.”
Split, Croatia, will be served three times weekly from April 30 on a Boeing 767-300ER, offering travelers access to the Adriatic coast, the Roman-era Diocletian’s Palace and the nearby islands of Hvar and Brac. The new service complements United’s seasonal Dubrovnik route, making it the only U.S. airline connecting directly to Croatia.
Bari, Italy, will welcome United’s first nonstop flight from the U.S. beginning May 1, operating four times weekly. The southern Italian port city, gateway to the Puglia region, is known for its sun-soaked beaches, whitewashed villages and distinctive Trulli houses. United now connects the U.S. to six Italian destinations, including Palermo and Milan.
In the UK, United will become the only American airline to serve Glasgow directly, beginning May 8. The daily flight from Newark on a Boeing 737 MAX 8 will link the U.S. to Scotland’s largest city – a UNESCO City of Music – famous for its architecture, parks and lively arts scene.
Spain’s Santiago de Compostela, the historic endpoint of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage, will join United’s network on May 27. Flights will operate three times weekly, giving travelers easier access to Galicia’s medieval streets, cathedrals and Atlantic coastline.
United’s expansion also includes new daily flights between Washington-Dulles and Reykjavik starting May 21, as well as daily Newark-Seoul service beginning September 4 on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. The airline will further increase capacity between Newark and Tel Aviv, adding four additional weekly flights for a total of 18 per week.
The carrier’s 2026 schedule follows the record-breaking summer of 2025, when it launched its largest-ever international expansion, adding nine destinations including Nuuk, Palermo, Faro, Bilbao and Madeira Island. All nine of those routes will return next year, many with earlier start dates due to high demand.
With nearly 3,000 weekly international roundtrips planned for next summer, United is positioning itself as the global leader in long-haul connectivity. The airline’s growing presence in secondary European cities underscores a broader industry trend – travelers seeking authentic regional experiences and smaller, culturally rich destinations beyond the traditional capitals.
Tickets for all new flights are now available on United.com and the United mobile app, with services subject to government approval.
