United Airlines Just Added New European Routes to Iconic Beach Destinations for 2026

Travelers now have new flight options for their 2026 vacation plans.

United Airlines will add several new international routes from the East Coast to popular destinations across Europe and Asia, according to the company. The new flights will launch from the carrier’s hub at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) along with Washington D.C.’s Dulles International Airport (IAD).

“United has an unmatched international network, and we pride ourselves on connecting our customers to unique, trendsetting destinations no other U.S. airline serves,” Patrick Quayle, United’s senior vice president of global network planning and alliances, said in a statement. “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.”

Starting April 30, 2026, the airline will start operating service between Newark and Split, Croatia, becoming the only carrier to fly directly from the United States to the city on the Adriatic Sea. The flight will take off three times per week on a Boeing 767-300ER aircraft and will compliment United’s existing service to Dubrovnik.

Recently ranked the No. 1 “feel-good destination in the world,” Split is known for its long coastline, gorgeous beaches, and charming winding streets.

A few days later, United will launch flights between Newark and Bari in southern Italy. These flights will operate four times per week starting May 1, 2026, on a Boeing 767-300ER aircraft. These flights will give travelers easy access to the luxury hotels, excellent dining, and beachfront relaxation of Italy’s incredible Puglia region.

On May 8, 2026, United will then launch daily seasonal service from Newark to Glasgow, Scotland, followed by seasonal service three times each week starting May 27, 2026, from Newark to Santiago de Compostela, Spain. Each of these flights will operate on a Boeing 737-MAX8 aircraft.

Finally, the airline will launch daily flights between Newark and Seoul, South Korea, starting Sept. 4, 2026, on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.

United is also increasing its service to Reykjavik, Iceland, with a new flight from Washington-Dulles. That flight will operate daily on a Boeing 757-200 aircraft and will compliment United’s existing service to Iceland from both Chicago and Newark. The announcement also follows low-cost Icelandic carrier Play Airlines decision to foldceasing operations and canceling all remaining flights.

These new routes come as United prepares to launch flights later this month to Vietnam and Thailandwhich was recently recognized as Travel + Leisure’s 2025 Destination of the Year.

With international travel continuing to grow, other major airlines have also been on the move expanding their flight routes. Delta Air Lines, for example, announced two new nonstop routes last month to Sardinia, Italy, and Malta.