United Airlines is going all in on Europe for Summer 2026. The U.S. carrier announced a major network expansion that cements its position as the leading American airline across the Atlantic, adding four new cities in Croatia, Italy, Scotland, and Spain to its growing roster. United Airlines summer 2026 schedule

From its Newark/New York hub, United will launch new nonstop flights to Split (Croatia), Bari (Italy), Glasgow (Scotland), and Santiago de Compostela (Spain)—four destinations no other U.S. airline currently serves directly. Alongside these, the airline will debut a Washington Dulles–Reykjavik route, a new year-round Seoul service, and expand capacity to Tel Aviv with 18 weekly flights.

Patrick Quayle, United’s Senior VP of Global Network Planning and Alliances, described it best: “United has an unmatched international network… now flying to 46 cities across the Atlantic – more than any other U.S. airline.”

Croatia Gets a Second United Destination

Split joins Dubrovnik as the second Croatian city on United’s map. Starting April 30, 2026, flights will operate three times a week using a Boeing 767-300ER. Split is a dream mix of history and coastal adventure—think Diocletian’s Palace, palm-lined promenades, and quick ferry hops to Hvar or Brač.

For Croatia’s tourism board, this is a major win. U.S. arrivals have surged post-pandemic, and this new link is likely to boost demand further, especially among travelers seeking Mediterranean authenticity without the Venice crowds.

Puglia on the Map: Bari, Italy

Bari will finally get its first-ever nonstop link to the U.S. when United begins service on May 1, 2026. Known for its whitewashed towns, olive groves, and turquoise Adriatic coastlines, Puglia has long been a favorite for European travelers—and now, Americans can join more easily.

Operating four times weekly, the route gives access not just to Bari but also to destinations like Alberobello and Matera. With up to 15 daily flights to Italy next summer, United is quietly outpacing Delta and American in Mediterranean connectivity, especially in the country’s southern regions.

Glasgow Returns to the Spotlight

Scotland’s largest city will again be directly connected to the U.S. with United’s daily seasonal flights from Newark, beginning May 8. Glasgow has been named “Friendliest UK City” by Condé Nast Traveler, offering art, music, and vibrant nightlife that rival Edinburgh’s historic charm.

This move strengthens United’s grip on the Scottish market, where it already operates year-round flights to Edinburgh—making it the largest U.S. carrier to Scotland.

A First for Santiago de Compostela, Spain

Starting May 22, United will make history as the first airline to offer nonstop U.S. service to Santiago de Compostela, gateway to Spain’s Galicia region and endpoint of the legendary Camino de Santiago pilgrimage.

Flights will run three times a week on Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft. United will now serve six Spanish destinations—more than any other U.S. airline—including Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao, Málaga, and Palma de Mallorca.

Beyond Europe: Iceland, Seoul, and Tel Aviv

United’s expansion isn’t stopping at Europe. The new Washington–Reykjavik route opens access to Iceland’s natural wonders, while Newark–Seoul becomes the only direct link from the U.S. East Coast to South Korea.

Meanwhile, demand for Tel Aviv remains strong. United will add more flights from Newark, maintaining its lead as the biggest U.S. carrier serving Israel.

The Bigger Picture: United’s Global Strategy

By Summer 2026, United plans nearly 3,000 weekly international round trips, offering over 850 daily flights to 150+ global destinations — including 41 routes no other U.S. airline flies. This expansion comes as the carrier reintroduces all nine destinations from its record-breaking 2025 launch, from Greenland to Mongolia.

While Delta and American have focused on frequency and premium cabin upgrades, United is clearly betting on destination diversity. According to Cirium and OAG data, United’s transatlantic growth has outpaced its rivals by 11% year-over-year, driven by both tourism recovery and renewed demand for long-haul leisure travel.

Alertify Take: United’s Bold Play in the Post-Pandemic Sky

This strategy reflects a clear shift in transatlantic aviation. United isn’t just connecting business hubs—it’s investing in leisure-driven, high-experience markets. Think coastal Croatia over congested London, or southern Italy over Milan.

For travelers, this means more direct routes and fewer stopovers, especially to secondary European cities once reachable only via Frankfurt or Paris. For the industry, it signals that demand for “nontraditional” destinations is not just back—it’s booming.

As the global travel landscape evolves, United’s 2026 lineup reinforces one point: connectivity is no longer just about getting there faster—it’s about getting everywhere. United Airlines summer 2026 schedule