United Airlines adds 7 new 2026 routes, including nonstops to Croatia and South Korea

United Airlines just unveiled its summer 2026 international schedule, and it’s one of the carrier’s most exciting expansions in years. Beginning next spring, travelers will be able to fly nonstop from Newark to Split, Croatia; Bari, Italy; Glasgow, Scotland; and Santiago de Compostela, Spain. United is also adding a daily Washington Dulles to Reykjavik flight, a new nonstop from Newark to Seoul, and additional service to Tel Aviv. Tickets went on sale today.

“For years, United has led the way in connecting customers to destinations no other U.S. airline serves,” said Patrick Quayle, Senior Vice President of Global Network Planning and Alliances. “With the addition of these new flights, United now flies to 46 cities across the Atlantic—more than any other airline—and is the clear flag carrier of the U.S.”

As someone who flies United exclusively, and even has their premium credit card, I was thrilled to see this lineup. My service dog, Poppy, and I have kept 1K status for years, logging hundreds of thousands of miles together on assignments. We’ve learned that the correct route can make or break a trip. Direct flights mean fewer layovers, fewer stress points for both of us, and more time exploring the destination itself. And with new nonstops to Croatia and southern Italy, two regions I’ve been itching to revisit, this announcement feels personal.

Split, Croatia: United’s new coastal connection to the Adriatic

The new Newark–Split service begins April 30 and will run three times a week on a Boeing 767-300ER. Split sits on Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast, a sun-soaked stretch where Roman ruins blend into beach life. Its old town grew from the remains of Diocletian’s Palace, one of the best-preserved Roman complexes in the world.

Strolling through its stone passageways, you can stop for seafood risotto or grilled octopus along the palm-lined promenade. Ferries to nearby islands like Hvar and Brač leave right from the harbor, turning Split into a perfect launch point for summer adventures.

I first visited Croatia years ago on a long layover and remember wishing for a more direct route back. Now, Americans can get there without connecting through Europe at all. With Dubrovnik already on United’s map, Split adds another jewel to the Adriatic.

Seoul, South Korea: Nonstop to a global capital

Come September 4, United will also begin daily service between Newark and Seoul on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. It will be the only U.S. airline offering nonstop flights from New York to South Korea. For East Coast travelers, that’s a major convenience upgrade.

Seoul dazzles with its mix of modern design and centuries-old palaces. Street markets like Gwangjang serve everything from kimchi pancakes to bibimbap. At the same time, sleek boutiques showcase Korean beauty and fashion trends that influence the world. Add in efficient public transport, warm hospitality, and an ever-evolving food scene, and it’s no wonder Seoul keeps climbing travelers’ wish lists.

Bari, Italy: A gateway to Puglia’s coast

Poppy and I spent part of last year traveling across Italy, and Puglia was the region that lingered in my mind long after we left. Beginning May 1, United will connect Newark to Bari four times a week on a Boeing 767-300ER — the only nonstop flight from the U.S. to this corner of southern Italy. For travelers who’ve dreamed of exploring Puglia’s olive groves, turquoise coves, and quiet whitewashed towns, this new route makes it easy.

Bari is the capital of the region and a true working port city. You likely won’t linger long here, as most travelers follow the coast south toward Polignano a Mare or Savelletri. One of my favorite recent stays in Italy was at Canne Bianche Lifestyle Hotel. In this serene beachfront property, mornings began with espresso by the sea and ended with aperitivo hour at sunset. It’s the kind of place that captures what makes Puglia special: understated luxury, local food, and the sense that time stretches in all the right ways.

For those craving something different from the tourist crush of Rome or the Amalfi Coast, Bari is a perfect gateway to an Italy that feels both authentic and deeply restorative. And now, with a nonstop flight from Newark, it’s finally within easy reach.

Glasgow, Scotland: Music, museums, and a warm welcome

Scotland’s largest city has long played second fiddle to Edinburgh when it comes to American tourism, but that may finally change. Starting May 8, United will fly daily from Newark to Glasgow on a Boeing 737 MAX 8. The city’s reputation for creativity and friendliness is well earned—Conde Nast Traveler even named it the Friendliest UK City in 2025.

Glasgow has a pulse all its own. The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is a must-see, and there’s almost always live music somewhere, from basement pubs to concert halls. More than 90 parks keep it surprisingly green, and its Victorian architecture offers a striking backdrop for urban exploration. United already serves Edinburgh year-round, but adding Glasgow gives travelers more flexibility to explore both sides of Scotland.

Santiago de Compostela, Spain: A new route to Spain’s pilgrimage capital

Few cities carry as much spiritual weight as Santiago de Compostela, the endpoint of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. Starting May 22, United will become the first airline to connect the U.S. to this historic city with nonstop service from Newark three times per week.

Santiago sits in Spain’s Galicia region, where medieval stone streets open onto lively squares filled with local musicians and café tables. The cathedral, which is believed to hold the remains of Saint James, glows gold in the late-afternoon light. For travelers who crave culture without the crowds, this new flight offers an easier way to experience northern Spain.

Reykjavik, Iceland: Easier access to Iceland’s natural wonders

On May 21, United adds daily flights between Washington Dulles and Reykjavik. It’s the only airline offering lie-flat business seats between the two capitals, a perk for travelers chasing comfort on short transatlantic hops.

The new flight offers U.S. travelers more ways to connect with and experience the destination’s natural beauty, such as the world-famous Blue Lagoon, Midnight Sun, Northern Lights, Icelandic landscapes, black sand beaches, and more. Since 2019, United has added flights to nine transatlantic destinations from Washington-Dulles. Reykjavik is the latest addition, following the recent expansion of year-round service to Dakar and seasonal service to Venice and Nice.

Tel Aviv, Israel: United expands flights to Israel’s cultural hub

United will also expand service to Tel Aviv starting March 28 with a third flight from Newark. The new route builds on the airline’s existing daily flights from Chicago and Washington D.C. United operates more flights to Tel Aviv than any other U.S. carrier.

For those visiting family or exploring the country’s beaches, markets, and ancient sites, increased frequency translates to more flexibility. Just make sure to check the complex travel conditions before booking a flight.

More destinations return for summer 2026

After a record-breaking summer, United will also bring back all nine destinations from its historic 2025 expansion — the largest in the airline’s history. These routes will resume next year:

• Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia: resumes April 30, 2026

• Faro, Portugal: resumes May 15, 2026

• Madeira Island, Portugal: resumes May 16, 2026 (three weeks earlier than in 2025)

• Palermo, Italy: resumes May 22, 2026

• Bilbao, Spain: resumes May 30, 2026

• Nuuk, Greenland: resumes June 6, 2026 (one week earlier than in 2025)

• Kaohsiung, Taiwan: continues year-round

• Dakar, Senegal: continues year-round

• Puerto Escondido, Mexico: continues year-round

United says passenger demand across these destinations hit record highs last summer, particularly in Italy, Spain, and Portugal. The airline carried nearly 1.5 million travelers to those three countries alone — up 11% year over year.

What it means for travelers

United’s 2026 expansion reinforces what frequent fliers already know: the airline dominates transatlantic travel. By next summer, it will offer nearly 3,000 weekly international round-trips to more than 150 global destinations, including 46 across the Atlantic.

For travelers like me—and for Poppy, who curls up quietly under the seat every time we take off—these new routes simplify European travel. They make it easier to explore places that once required two or three flights to reach. They also reflect the growing appetite for offbeat, experience-driven destinations. Instead of the same Paris–Rome–London loop, travelers are choosing smaller cities with strong local character.

After years of writing about the world, I’ve learned that the best trips often start with a good flight path. United’s new routes open direct doors to Europe and Asia. Whether you are dreaming of exploring Croatia’s beaches or Puglia’s coastline, it’s never been easier to turn the daydream into a reality.