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United Launches New Routes to Croatia, Italy, Scotland, South Korea, and Spain for Summer 2026

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Chris Hassan
Updated: 
Edited by: Ryan Smith
United Launches New Routes to Croatia, Italy, Scotland, South Korea, and Spain for Summer 2026
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United Airlines is getting excited about Summer 2026 — and for good reason. The airline just announced brand new routes to Split, Croatia, Glasgow, Scotland, and Santiago de Compostela, Spain, making it the only airline with nonstop service from the New York area to these airports.

Plus, new nonstop flights to Bari, Italy, and Seoul, South Korea, will soon make United the only U.S. airline offering service on those routes.

Passengers can also look forward to increased service to Reykjavik and Tel Aviv, along with a long list of other news.

Tickets for these routes are on sale starting today, so let’s take a look at the details.

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United’s New European Cities for 2026

After teasing the news on social media, United Airlines announced it will add flights to 5 new cities in Europe for Summer 2026. United will be the only airline to fly nonstop from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to 4 of those cities and the only U.S. airline to fly nonstop to the fifth.

These are in addition to — and build upon — the airline’s recent Summer 2025 route expansion.

United has an unmatched international network, and we pride ourselves on connecting our customers to unique, trendsetting destinations no other U.S. airline serves. 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.

Patrick Quayle, Senior Vice President of Global Network Planning and Alliances

The new cities include Split, Croatia (SPU), which will launch on April 30, 2026. This is a popular destination for history buffs and seafood lovers and provides a gateway to the Dalmatian Islands. Flights will be operated by a Boeing 767-300ER, operating 3 times per week.

Bari, Italy (BRI), will be the next destination, seeing a May 1 launch. Whether it’s exploring the area’s beautiful hilltop towns, strolling through olive groves, or taking a dip in the turquoise-colored water of the Adriatic Sea, there is plenty to do in this charming city. Flights will be operated by a Boeing 767-300ER, flying 4 times per week.

United Summer 2026 routes
Image Credit: United

The Glasgow, Scotland (GLA), route will go live on May 8, complementing United’s existing Edinburgh (EDI) service. Whether for business or pleasure, travelers can explore the countless parks, museums, architecture, and historic pubs. Glasgow will receive daily seasonal service on a Boeing 737 MAX 8.

The final European addition will be Santiago de Compostela, Spain (SCQ), which starts on May 22. This will be the first time a U.S. airline has added a regularly scheduled service to the city. Filled with history, Medieval architecture, and stunning cathedrals, Santiago de Compostela has a lot to offer for travelers. Flights will be operated by a Boeing 737 MAX 8, flying 3 times per week.

Hot Tip:

Got a United Credit Card? Check your offer in the ‘Pack More Miles‘ promotion.

Other Major Flight Additions

In addition to those new European routes, United also announced a brand new route from Newark to Seoul, South Korea (ICN), the only U.S. airline to do so. United operates twice-daily flights from San Francisco (SFO) to Seoul (ICN), so this addition will save United travelers from having to connect.

The Seoul route will begin on September 4 and will be operated by a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

United will also increase frequency between Washington Dulles (IAD) and Reykjavik, Iceland (KEF). Starting May 21, the airline will offer daily service to the stunning destination. What makes this news especially interesting is that United will fly a Boeing 757-200 with lie-flat business class seats — making it the only airline with a lie-flat option between the 2 countries’ capitals.

Starting March 28, United will add a third flight to Tel Aviv, Israel (TLV), from Newark, establishing the airline as the largest U.S. carrier to Israel. This new addition will operate 4 times per week on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

With all of the attention on the new flights coming in 2025, some might be concerned about the historic expansion we saw in 2025. Well, United has assured us that it will be bringing back all 9 destinations for at least another year.

Those destinations are:

  • Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia: Returning April 30, 2026
  • Faro, Portugal: May 15
  • Madeira Island, Portugal: May 16
  • Palermo, Italy: May 22
  • Bilbao, Spain: May 30
  • Nuuk, Greenland: June 6
  • Kaohsiung, Taiwan: Operating year-round service
  • Dakar, Senegal: Operating year-round service
  • Puerto Escondido, Mexico: Operating year-round service

All of these routes are on sale. If you’re interested, you can book your Summer 2026 trip on United.com or on the United app (iOS, Android) today.

» Related: United Airlines MileagePlus Loyalty Program Review

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Final Thoughts

United’s latest expansion gives travelers more options across Europe and beyond. With a mix of new destinations, expanded routes, and returning favorites, the 2026 lineup is shaping up to be one of the most diverse yet.

From coastal getaways to historic cities and glacier hikes, these new flights offer plenty of fresh opportunities to use your points and miles.

Featured Image Credit: Ehsan Haque
Chris Hassan's image

About Chris Hassan

Chris holds a B.S. in Hospitality and Tourism Management and managed social media for all Marriott properties in South America, making him a perfect fit for UP and its social media channels. He has a passion for making content catered toward family travelers.

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