United Airlines continues to expand its international network, launching new flights from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to four European cities in summer 2026.
In an Oct. 8 call with the media, the Chicago-based airline announced the new route. This will give travelers easy access to some popular and lesser-known tourist destinations across Europe. Glasgow, Scotland. Split, Croatia. and Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
Once the route opens, United will be the only US airline serving Bari and Glasgow. The airline will also operate the only direct flight from the US to Split and Santiago de Compostela. Additionally, United plans to restart all nine seasonal routes it launched last summer, including Nuuk in Greenland and Ulaanbaatar in Mongolia, while also ramping up service on several other long-haul routes, including Iceland, Israel and South Korea.
The expansion is part of United’s ambitious 2026 schedule to increase the number of international destinations served by United Airlines to 46 destinations with non-stop transatlantic service. In April, United Airlines added three flights to Asia and Australia.
Here’s what travelers need to know about new European routes and inspiration for future trips to these destinations.
United Airlines new routes in 2026
United Airlines’ latest expansion makes it easier to explore Europe’s lesser-known destinations. However, travelers should be aware of the season and aircraft when booking. Long-haul flights to Split and Bari will be operated by a 767-300ER with a Lieflat Polaris cabin. The 737 MAX 8, on the other hand, has no lie-flat seats, only economy and premium economy cabins, and is suitable for short transatlantic trips from Glasgow to Santiago.
split, croatia
Starting April 30, 2026, United Airlines will begin flying non-stop between EWR and Split Airport (SPU) three times a week using a Boeing 767-300ER aircraft. The route complements United’s existing seasonal Dubrovnik service, giving U.S. travelers the option of two Croatian gateways on the Adriatic Sea.
What to do in split
Split is a diverse blend of ancient and modern life, with Roman ruins standing side by side with modern cafes and a bustling port. From Split, you can enjoy picturesque day trips to Dalmatian islands such as Hvar.
bari, italy
Starting May 1, 2026, United Airlines will operate non-stop flights four times a week from EWR to the capital of Puglia on the Adriatic coast using Boeing 767-300ER aircraft. United plans to offer up to 15 daily flights to Italy across its network next summer, including flights to six different cities.
things to do in bari
Travelers visiting Bari can explore the region’s whitewashed hillside towns, turquoise beaches, and limestone trulli dwellings, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the largest ports on the Adriatic Sea, Bari also allows you to connect by boat to other destinations such as Albania, Croatia and Greece, or embark on one of Italy’s most popular road trips.
glasgow, scotland
Starting May 8, 2026, United Airlines will reinstate direct flights to the United States to Scotland’s most populous city, with daily seasonal flights on Boeing 737 MAX 8s. The route marks United’s return to Glasgow Airport (GLA) from EWR, which was suspended in 2019. With the return of the service, United Airlines claims it will become the largest airline between the US and Scotland, complementing its year-round service to Edinburgh.
things to do in glasgow
Glasgow’s reputation as Scotland’s second city has been changing in recent years, compared to the stately hilltop castle status of the country’s capital, Edinburgh. This is thanks to expansive parks, out-of-bounds museums, and a dining scene that punches above its weight. Music lovers should check out Scottish Opera, Royal Scottish National Orchestra and Scottish Ensemble.
Santiago de Compostela, Spain
United Airlines will introduce the first nonstop service offered by a commercial airline between the United States and Santiago de Compostela starting May 22, 2026. This route will be operated three times a week by Boeing 737 MAX 8 from EWR.
Things to do in Santiago de Compostela
Santiago de Compostela is the last stop on the Camino de Santiago and its historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is famous for its medieval architecture, unique Galician culture and cuisine, and lively festivals. Standout accommodation options include the Quinta da Auga, a converted 18th-century paper mill offering a spa, gourmet restaurant and tranquil grounds for luxurious country living.
United continues to expand in 2026
Additionally, United plans to add daily service between Iceland’s Keflavik International Airport (KEF) and Washington Dulles (IAD) on May 21, 2026. A new daily flight between Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN) and EWR will launch on September 4, 2026. The airline also plans to increase the frequency of flights between Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV) and EWR from 14 to 18 weekly flights. flight.
Finally, United plans to maintain service to all the destinations it introduced during its record expansion period in 2025, a fairly unusual move for an airline that would eliminate some routes to make room for other routes.
- Ewr to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia: April 30th
- EWR to Faro, Portugal: May 15, 2026
- EWR to Madeira, Portugal: May 16, 2026
- EWR to Palermo, Italy: May 22, 2026
- EWR to Bilbao (Spain): May 30, 2026
- From EWR to Next, Green 6, 2026
- Tokyo – Narita (NRT) to Kaohsiung, Taiwan: Open 7 days a week
- From IAD to Dakar, Senegal: 24/7 service available
- Houston (IAH) to Puerto Escondido, Mexico: Year-round service
