United New Routes 2026 Suite: United Adds 4 New Newark Flights

United Airlines announced four new nonstop routes from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) for Summer 2026: Split, Croatia; Bari, Italy; Glasgow, Scotland; and Santiago de Compostela, Spain. United is the only U.S. carrier on all four routes. Flights begin as early as April 30, 2026, operated by Boeing 767-300ER and 737 MAX 8 aircraft.

United Airlines made a sweeping announcement in October 2025: four brand-new nonstop routes departing from its Newark/New York hub starting Spring 2026. Each destination is one that no other U.S. airline flies to nonstop. That’s not a minor distinction it means travelers on the East Coast now have direct access to corners of Europe that were previously reachable only through layovers or transatlantic connections via European carriers.

The announcement builds on what United already called its largest international expansion in company history during Summer 2025. This time, the focus shifts to underserved European cities with strong tourism appeal: a Croatian coastal gem, an Italian regional gateway, Scotland’s biggest city, and Spain’s famous pilgrimage endpoint. With nearly 3,000 weekly international roundtrips planned for Summer 2026 and 46 transatlantic destinations total, United is widening its lead as the top U.S. carrier across the Atlantic.

What Are the 4 New United Airlines Routes from Newark in 2026?

United Airlines’ four new Newark routes for Summer 2026 are: Newark to Split, Croatia (starting April 30); Newark to Bari, Italy (May 1); Newark to Glasgow, Scotland (May 8); and Newark to Santiago de Compostela, Spain (May 27). United is the only U.S. airline operating nonstop service on all four routes.

Here’s a quick reference before diving deeper:

Route 1: Newark to Split, Croatia (EWR–SPU)

Split is Croatia’s second-largest city and the main gateway to the Dalmatian Coast. United’s three-weekly service aboard a Boeing 767-300ER makes it the only U.S. airline flying nonstop between the U.S. and Split period. Travelers gain direct access to Diocletian’s Palace (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the palm-lined Riva promenade, and ferries to nearby islands like Hvar. United already serves Dubrovnik from Newark seasonally, making it the only U.S. carrier with nonstop service to two Croatian cities.

Who this route suits most: History enthusiasts, cruise travelers beginning Adriatic itineraries, and anyone planning an island-hopping summer in the Dalmatian Islands.

MileagePlus earn potential: The EWR–SPU route is roughly 4,400 miles each way. At the base earn rate of 5 miles per dollar for General members or up to 11 miles per dollar for 1K elites a round-trip ticket in economy could yield anywhere from 44,000 to 97,000+ miles depending on status and fare class.

Route 2: Newark to Bari, Italy (EWR–BRI)

United’s four-weekly service to Bari opens a direct corridor into the Puglia region of southern Italy, home to olive groves, whitewashed trulli buildings, and the turquoise Adriatic. The Boeing 767-300ER operates this route, giving passengers access to United Polaris business class a lie-flat option that no other carrier offers on this city pair, because no other U.S. airline flies it. From Bari, ferry connections reach Albania, Croatia, and Greece, making it a strong hub for multi-country itineraries.

United already serves five other Italian cities; Bari becomes the sixth. The airline set a passenger record to Italy in August 2025, carrying nearly 1.5 million travelers to Italy, Spain, and Portugal combined 11% more than the prior year.

Route 3: Newark to Glasgow, Scotland (EWR–GLA)

Glasgow is Scotland’s largest city, a UNESCO City of Music since 2008, and according to Condé Nast Traveler the UK’s Friendliest City of 2025. United’s daily seasonal service, operated by a Boeing 737 MAX 8, makes it the only U.S. airline flying nonstop to Glasgow. This is United’s return to Glasgow since 2019, and it complements existing year-round service to Edinburgh, making United the largest carrier between the U.S. and Scotland.

Unlike the Croatian and Italian routes on widebody jets, the 737 MAX 8 means no Polaris business class. Passengers on this route will find First class, Economy Plus, and Economy seating options.

Who this route suits most: Business travelers, Scottish diaspora visiting family, and city-focused tourists interested in Glasgow’s museum scene, architecture, and live music calendar.

Route 4: Newark to Santiago de Compostela, Spain (EWR–SCQ)

This is historic by any measure. United becomes the first U.S. airline ever to offer regularly scheduled nonstop flights between the U.S. and Santiago de Compostela, the capital of Galicia and the endpoint of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. The three-weekly service on a Boeing 737 MAX 8 opens a destination that previously required connecting through Madrid or Lisbon for American travelers.

Santiago already draws hundreds of thousands of pilgrims and tourists each year. Direct access from the U.S. East Coast removes a significant barrier. With this addition, United now serves six Spanish cities: Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga, Palma de Mallorca, Bilbao, and Santiago de Compostela.

What Is the Competition on These New United Routes?

On all four routes, United faces zero U.S. competition it holds a monopoly as the sole American carrier. This is unusual across the Atlantic, where Delta and American Airlines typically contest many European city pairs. The competitive dynamic instead comes from European carriers that may offer one-stop itineraries via their home hubs.

For travelers who value nonstop convenience and MileagePlus earning, United’s position on these routes is uncontested.

How Does Newark’s Hub Status Strengthen These Routes?

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) connects passengers to nearly 320 cities across North America, South America, Central America, and the Caribbean, including 120 destinations reachable with just one stop. United’s Newark operation offers nonstop service to 42 destinations across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and India more transatlantic destinations than any other carrier from the New York City area.

The hub became a turnaround story in 2026. After significant disruptions in Spring 2025 caused by FAA radar outages, staffing shortages, and runway construction, the airport recorded its best-ever on-time performance in April and May 2026, during which United flew nearly 5.8 million passengers through EWR. Newark now leads all major Northeast airports for on-time departures in 2026, according to United Airlines’ official press release (June 2026).

Key Newark hub stats:

• Nearly 15,000 United employees based at EWR
• 42 nonstop transatlantic destinations
• 15 destinations no other U.S. airline serves, now including all four new 2026 routes
• Connected to 320 cities with one stop or fewer
• FAA flight limits set at 72 per hour through Summer 2026 to ensure schedule reliability

Practical Newark tips for travelers on these new routes:

• All international United flights depart from Terminal C, United’s Global Gateway at EWR
• United’s app offers real-time TSA wait times at Newark and turn-by-turn directions to connecting gates
• Starlink Wi-Fi is being rolled out across the fleet; over 25% of United’s daily flights already have it
• For the Glasgow and Santiago routes on 737 MAX 8s, overhead bin space is expanded full-size rollaboards fit without issue
• Arrive at least 3 hours before departure for international flights from EWR

What Are the New International Routes for United in 2026?

United’s new international routes for 2026 include four new European nonstops from Newark (Split, Bari, Glasgow, Santiago de Compostela), a new daily Newark–Seoul route beginning September 4, expanded Tel Aviv service from March 28, and new Washington Dulles–Reykjavik daily service from May 21. Combined, United will serve 46 transatlantic destinations and 150+ international cities globally.

Here’s a consolidated view of all new United international routes announced for 2026:

What Are the New United Routes to Asia in 2026?

United’s primary new Asia route for 2026 is a daily nonstop between Newark (EWR) and Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN), launching September 4, 2026, on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. United already operates twice-daily San Francisco–Seoul service. The Newark addition makes United the only U.S. airline with nonstop East Coast access to South Korea.

Seoul is one of Asia’s most dynamic travel destinations known for its food markets, K-pop culture, and beauty and wellness scene. For MileagePlus members, the EWR–ICN route spans approximately 6,900 miles each way. At base earn rates, a round-trip economy ticket could generate 60,000–70,000+ award miles.

United also announced additional Asia expansion through its Chicago O’Hare hub in May 2026 with new Sapporo, Japan service representing part of the airline’s broader transpacific ambition.

What Are the New United Routes from Denver in 2026?

United’s new routes from Denver (DEN) in 2026 are primarily domestic, targeting underserved mid-sized markets. New United routes from Denver include service to Albany, Bangor, and Chattanooga part of a 14-route domestic expansion announced separately from the international announcement. Denver is one of United’s seven U.S. hub airports, alongside Chicago O’Hare, Houston, Los Angeles, Newark, San Francisco, and Washington Dulles.

Denver’s expansion differs significantly from Newark’s. While Newark is United’s international gateway to Europe and beyond, Denver functions more as a connecting hub for transcontinental and regional domestic traffic. Travelers seeking new international connections from Denver typically connect through Newark or San Francisco.

What Countries and Airports Does United Fly To Internationally?

United Airlines serves more than 150 international destinations across 50+ countries, operating more than 850 daily international flights in Summer 2026. United flies to 41 international destinations that no other U.S. airline serves, reinforcing its position as the leading U.S. flag carrier across the Atlantic.

United Airlines’ international destinations by region include:

• Europe: 46 transatlantic cities including London, Paris, Frankfurt, Rome, Madrid, Lisbon, Amsterdam, Dublin, and newly launched Split, Bari, Glasgow, and Santiago de Compostela
• Asia-Pacific: Tokyo, Seoul, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore, Sydney, Auckland, Taipei (Kaohsiung), Sapporo, and Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
• Latin America & Caribbean: Mexico City, Bogotá, São Paulo, Buenos Aires, Lima, Cancún, and various Caribbean destinations
• Africa & Middle East: Tel Aviv, Dubai, Nairobi, Lagos, Dakar (Senegal)
• South Asia: Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad

For a full and current destinations list, United’s route map tool at united.com provides the most up-to-date schedules filterable by hub, region, and travel date.

What Are United’s Caribbean Destinations in 2026?

United Airlines operates Caribbean service from multiple U.S. hubs, including Newark. United’s Caribbean route network covers popular island destinations including Cancún (Mexico), Montego Bay (Jamaica), Nassau (Bahamas), Punta Cana (Dominican Republic), and San Juan (Puerto Rico). From October 2026, United becomes the only airline in the New York area to offer service to St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The St. Croix addition is notable for Newark specifically. It positions EWR as a launch point not only for transatlantic routes but also for Caribbean leisure travel especially useful for East Coast travelers who previously had to connect through Miami or Charlotte for Virgin Islands access.

How Does United’s 2026 Expansion Affect MileagePlus Members?

Each of the four new Newark routes offers meaningful MileagePlus earning potential, particularly on the longer-haul 767-300ER routes to Croatia and Italy. General MileagePlus members earn 5 award miles per dollar spent on United-operated flights, while elite members earn significantly more up to 11 miles per dollar for 1K Premier status holders.

Example MileagePlus earn scenarios:

• Economy round-trip EWR–SPU (Split): ~$900 fare × 5 miles/dollar = 4,500 base miles + approximately 8,800 flight miles (distance-based) depending on fare class. Premier Qualifying Flights (PQFs) also accrue.
• Business class round-trip EWR–BRI (Bari) on 767-300ER: Polaris business class fares with higher multipliers can generate significantly more miles United Polaris fares in “J” class typically earn at a 150%+ mileage multiplier.
• MileagePlus redemptions: These nonstop routes to exclusive destinations command high award availability early in the booking window, especially given the limited competition. Business class award space to Croatia and southern Italy particularly off-peak has historically been more accessible than routes served by multiple carriers.

United also caps earning at 75,000 miles per ticket issued by United. For high-value transatlantic itineraries, this cap rarely becomes a limiting factor in economy but may apply to premium cabin redemptions on the longest routes.

Book Now or Wait? Practical Booking Advice for These Routes

Tickets for all four new Newark routes went on sale October 9, 2025 the same day as the announcement. Early booking typically yields the best pricing on inaugural routes, particularly for premium cabins where inventory is limited.

Booking tips specific to these routes:

• Split and Bari on 767-300ER: Book Polaris business class early widebody transatlantic routes with lie-flat access to unserved markets see early sellouts
• Glasgow on 737 MAX 8: Daily service provides more scheduling flexibility than 3x-weekly routes; fare tracking tools like Google Flights or United’s fare alerts work well here
• Santiago de Compostela on 737 MAX 8: First-ever scheduled U.S. service to this airport means historical pricing data is limited use United’s flexible dates calendar to compare weeks
• All routes: MileagePlus Saver Awards may be available at launch; search award space through the United app up to 12 months in advance

Frequently Asked Questions

When do United Airlines’ four new Newark routes start in 2026?
The four new Newark routes launch between April 30 and May 27, 2026. Split, Croatia begins April 30; Bari, Italy on May 1; Glasgow, Scotland on May 8; and Santiago de Compostela, Spain on May 27. All are seasonal summer routes and are subject to government approval.

Is United the only U.S. airline flying nonstop to Split, Croatia?
Yes. United is the only U.S. airline offering nonstop service between the United States and Split (SPU). United also holds the only nonstop U.S. service to Dubrovnik, Croatia, making it the exclusive U.S. carrier to two Croatian cities simultaneously.

What aircraft does United use on the new EWR–Bari and EWR–Split routes?
Both the Newark–Bari and Newark–Split routes are operated by a Boeing 767-300ER. This widebody aircraft features United Polaris business class with lie-flat seats, Premium Plus, Economy Plus, and Economy cabin options.

Does United offer lie-flat business class on the new Glasgow and Santiago routes?
No. Both the Newark–Glasgow and Newark–Santiago de Compostela routes are operated by a Boeing 737 MAX 8, which does not include United Polaris lie-flat business class. These aircraft offer First class, Economy Plus, and Economy seating.

How many MileagePlus miles can I earn on the new EWR–Seoul route?
The Newark–Seoul Incheon (ICN) route is approximately 6,900 miles each way. General MileagePlus members earn 5 miles per dollar spent on qualifying fares. On a $1,200 round-trip economy fare, that’s roughly 6,000 base miles; elite members earn proportionally more, up to 11 miles per dollar for 1K status holders.

What are United’s new domestic routes from Denver in 2026?
United’s new Denver routes in 2026 are domestic and include service to Albany, Bangor (Maine), and Chattanooga (Tennessee), as part of a 14-route domestic expansion announced separately from the international schedule. Denver does not feature new international routes in this announcement.

Is United’s Newark–Glasgow route brand new, or a returning route?
It is a returning route. United previously served Glasgow from Newark but discontinued the route. The May 8, 2026 launch marks United’s return to Glasgow since 2019, now operating with daily seasonal service on a Boeing 737 MAX 8.

What is United’s new Asia route for 2026, and when does it start?
United’s primary new Asia route for 2026 is daily nonstop service between Newark (EWR) and Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN), South Korea. Flights begin September 4, 2026, operated by a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. This makes United the only U.S. airline with nonstop East Coast service to South Korea.

How does Newark compare to JFK for international departures on United?
United does not operate from JFK. Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is United’s sole New York-area hub, offering 42 nonstop transatlantic destinations in Summer 2026 more than any other airline from the New York metropolitan area. JFK is primarily served by Delta, American, and international carriers.

Are United’s four new 2026 Newark routes available to book now?
Yes. United put all four routes on sale October 9, 2025 the same day as the public announcement. Tickets can be booked directly at united.com, through the United app (iOS and Android), or via travel agents. Award space for MileagePlus members can be searched up to 12 months in advance.