United Airlines Is Launching Nonstop Flights to Four Brand New European Destinations This Summer And Tickets Are on Sale Now

Mundo Trip | April 2, 2026

United Airlines is about to open up Europe in a way that no other US carrier has done before. Starting this spring and summer, the airline is launching nonstop flights from its Newark Liberty International Airport hub to four brand new European destinations Split in Croatia, Bari in Italy, Glasgow in Scotland, and Santiago de Compostela in Spain. United will be the only US airline offering nonstop service to all four of these cities, giving American travelers direct access to some of Europe's most exciting and underrated destinations without having to connect through London, Paris, or Rome.

The Four New Routes What You Need to Know

The first new route launches in just a few weeks. Newark to Split, Croatia kicks off on April 30, 2026, operating three times weekly on a Boeing 767-300ER. This makes United the only US airline flying nonstop to Croatia's stunning Dalmatian coast, complementing its existing seasonal service to Dubrovnik. Split is home to the ancient Roman Diocletian's Palace a UNESCO World Heritage Site and serves as a gateway to popular Adriatic islands, including Hvar, with its lavender fields and crystal-clear beaches.

Newark to Bari, Italy, follows on May 1, 2026, with four weekly flights on a Boeing 767-300ER. This is the first-ever direct commercial flight between the United States and Bari, opening up the entire Puglia region for American travelers. Puglia is one of Italy's fastest-growing destinations, known for its iconic Trulli dwellings in Alberobello, whitewashed hilltop towns, turquoise Adriatic beaches, and exceptional food. From Bari's port, travelers can also connect by ferry to Croatia, Greece, and Albania, making it an ideal base for wider Mediterranean exploration. United will offer up to 15 daily flights to Italy across six destinations next summer, more than any other US carrier.

Newark to Glasgow, Scotland, launches on May 8, 2026, with daily seasonal service on a Boeing 737 MAX 8. This marks United's return to Glasgow for the first time since 2019, when the route was suspended. Scotland's largest city is a major cultural hub, renowned for its music scene, architecture, museums, and access to the Scottish Highlands and islands. Until now, US travelers have had to connect through London or other European hubs to reach Glasgow directly.

Newark to Santiago de Compostela, Spain rounds out the new European launches, starting May 22, 2026. United will be the first US airline ever to fly nonstop to this historic city, the endpoint of the world-famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. The city is famous for its medieval architecture, stunning cathedral, and the Galicia region's exceptional seafood and green landscapes. The route will operate seasonally from Newark.

More New Routes Beyond Europe

The European expansion is part of an even broader summer 2026 growth plan for United. The airline is also launching daily nonstop service between Washington Dulles and Reykjavik, Iceland, from May 21, 2026 making United the only carrier offering lie-flat business class seats between the two cities. And from September 4, 2026, United will begin daily year-round nonstop service between Newark and Seoul, South Korea, on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, making it the only US airline flying nonstop to Seoul from the Northeast.

With all of these additions, United will serve 46 transatlantic destinations in summer 2026 more than any other airline in the world and operate over 850 daily international flights to more than 150 destinations globally, including 41 cities that no other US airline serves.

Why This Is Big News for US Travelers

More Flights for US Travelers

For years, reaching destinations like Split, Bari, and Santiago de Compostela from the US meant booking a connecting flight through a major European hub, adding hours to the journey and often a high extra cost. United's decision to launch nonstop service to all four of these cities changes that picture completely. Travelers from across the United States can now connect through Newark and fly directly to some of Europe's most beautiful and increasingly popular destinations without the hassle of a European transfer.

The timing is also notable. These routes are launching as summer demand for European travel remains extremely strong among American travelers, even as rising fuel costs are pushing fares higher across the board. Booking now before summer pricing fully kicks in gives travelers the best chance of securing competitive fares on these brand new services.

Please Note: If you are planning a trip to Europe this summer, United's new nonstop routes to Split, Bari, Glasgow, and Santiago de Compostela are genuinely exciting options, especially if you have been looking for an alternative to the more crowded and expensive routes to London, Paris, or Rome. The Newark to Split route launches in just a few weeks on April 30, and fares are on sale right now. Our team at Mundo Trip is ready to help you find the best available fares and put together the right travel plan for your summer trip. Get in touch with us today.

Stay Updated with Mundo Trip

Summer 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting years for international travel from the US, with more new routes and destinations opening up than in any recent year. At Mundo Trip, we track every new route announcement, fare change, and airline update so you always have the most complete picture before you book. Whether you are dreaming of the Croatian coast, the hills of Puglia, or the streets of Glasgow, our team is here to help you plan the perfect trip. Follow us for the latest travel news and get in touch whenever you are ready to book.