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United Airlines is setting up its largest summer transatlantic expansion yet in 2026, adding new nonstop flights from Newark to Split in Croatia, Bari in Italy and Glasgow in Scotland.
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New Routes Anchor a Record-Breaking Summer Schedule
Publicly available schedule data and recent industry coverage indicate that United will introduce the new European routes from Newark Liberty International Airport between late April and early May 2026, positioning them at the front end of the peak travel season. The services are part of a broader transatlantic push that also includes new links to Santiago de Compostela in Spain and additional capacity on existing European routes.
Reports on the airline’s summer 2026 plans describe the additions as United’s largest summer transatlantic expansion so far from its Newark hub, measured by new destinations and overall seat growth. With Split, Bari and Glasgow joining an already extensive European network, the carrier is expected to serve around mid-40s European cities nonstop from Newark during the season, outpacing other United States airlines on the North Atlantic.
Industry analysis suggests that the network growth is designed to capture strong demand for leisure and so-called “bleisure” travel, as American travelers continue to prioritize overseas trips during the warmer months. By focusing the new routes at Newark, United is further consolidating the airport’s role as its primary East Coast gateway to Europe.
Opening New Doors to Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast
The Newark to Split route brings a new nonstop option to Croatia’s Dalmatian coast from the New York region, reducing travel times for travelers who previously relied on connections through European hubs. Split, known for its historic waterfront, Roman-era Diocletian’s Palace and easy access to Adriatic islands, has grown steadily in popularity among North American travelers in recent years.
Published schedule information shows that the Newark to Split flights are planned as seasonal summer services, aligned with peak coastal tourism. Aviation outlets report that the route is expected to operate several times per week using widebody aircraft configured for both leisure and premium demand, offering lie-flat seats in the front cabin alongside a large economy section.
For Croatia, the new link adds to a growing map of direct North American connections that now reach beyond the capital Zagreb and long-established tourist hubs. Travel analysts note that the increased access to Split could encourage more travelers to explore secondary coastal cities and islands, spreading tourism benefits across a wider area of the Dalmatian region.
Bari Puts Southern Italy on the Nonstop Map
The Newark to Bari service extends nonstop access deeper into southern Italy, beyond the major gateways of Rome and Milan. Bari, a port city on the Adriatic and a key entry point to the Puglia region, has gained attention for its historic old town, coastal landscapes and growing profile as a food and wine destination.
According to published coverage, United’s Bari flights from Newark will operate on a seasonal basis beginning in early May 2026, with several weekly frequencies that are calibrated to summer holiday demand. Industry reports emphasize that these flights are currently the only scheduled nonstop services linking the New York metropolitan area with Bari, creating a distinct proposition in the marketplace.
Tourism observers suggest that the new route could shift some leisure traffic away from more congested Italian hubs, enabling travelers to start and end their trips closer to beach towns and rural stays in Puglia. The nonstop option is also expected to appeal to travelers visiting friends and relatives in southern Italy, a segment that has shown resilient demand across airline networks.
Glasgow Gains Fresh Transatlantic Capacity
In Scotland, United’s Newark to Glasgow route is set to restore and expand transatlantic options to the country’s largest city. Glasgow has historically alternated between periods of sustained North American service and intervals with fewer nonstop links, often depending on fuel prices and demand cycles.
Recent route announcements describe the Newark to Glasgow service as the only nonstop flight scheduled between the New York area and Glasgow for summer 2026, creating a new direct link after years in which travelers frequently routed through London or other European hubs. The seasonal operation is expected to run several times per week, timed to connect with United’s wider domestic network at Newark.
Travel industry commentary points out that the new connection may benefit both inbound tourism and outbound traffic from Scotland. Golf trips, music festivals and cultural tourism are likely to feature prominently among leisure itineraries, while business travelers gain another one-stop option to major United States cities through connections at Newark.
What United’s Expansion Means for Travelers
The combined addition of Split, Bari and Glasgow from Newark reflects United’s broader strategy of targeting mid-sized European cities with strong seasonal demand but limited direct competition. Aviation analysts note that the carrier is increasingly using its widebody fleet to reach secondary markets where nonstop service can command a premium among travelers seeking to avoid connections.
For travelers in the New York metropolitan region and along the East Coast, the new routes create more options to reach popular summer destinations with a single flight, often combined with onward connections on European partners to nearby cities and resort areas. Schedule data suggests that departure and arrival times are being designed to maximize these connections while still offering convenient overnight crossings on the westbound leg.
Industry observers also highlight that the 2026 transatlantic build-up continues a pattern that began with United’s earlier European expansions, including seasonal launches to smaller Mediterranean and Atlantic destinations. If demand remains strong and operational performance at Newark continues to improve, the new flights to Split, Bari and Glasgow may help set the foundation for further niche routes in future summer seasons.