Where Can You Fly in 2026? Air Transat, Delta, United Announce New Routes.
Key Points
- 1United Airlines is launching four new European routes from Newark (EWR), including Split, Croatia, and Bari, Italy, starting in Spring 2026.
- 2Delta Air Lines adds new transatlantic service from New York-JFK to Mediterranean islands like Malta and Sardinia for Summer 2026.
- 3Air Transat introduces its first nonstop transatlantic flight from Ottawa to London Gatwick and a new route from Montreal to Agadir, Morocco.
- 4The expansion targets underserved leisure markets, utilizing efficient aircraft like the Boeing 737 MAX 8 and Airbus A321LR.
The global trend of increased air connectivity continues into 2026.
Major carriers are focusing on new, often underserved, international markets. This expansion provides passengers with more direct travel options. It also signals strong confidence in the long-term leisure travel sector. The new routes strengthen the global network for North American travelers. For the latest on these developments, readers can check aviation news.
United Airlines' European Push
United Airlines is significantly boosting its transatlantic network. The carrier announced four new European destinations from Newark (EWR). These routes target unique and growing leisure markets. United will be the only U.S. carrier serving three of them.
Focus on Underserved Markets
New service to Split, Croatia, begins on April 30, 2026. Flights will operate three times weekly using a Boeing 767-300ER. Service to Bari, Italy, starts May 1, 2026, four times weekly. Daily seasonal flights to Glasgow, Scotland, begin May 8, 2026. Flights to Santiago de Compostela, Spain, start May 22, 2026.
United is also adding daily Washington-Dulles (IAD) to Reykjavík, Iceland, service. Furthermore, daily nonstop flights from Newark to Seoul, South Korea, start September 4, 2026.
Delta Air Lines Expands Transatlantic and West Coast Access
Delta Air Lines is also adding several key international routes. The airline is expanding its reach across Europe and the Mediterranean. New flights focus on both East and West Coast hubs.
Mediterranean and Iberian Peninsula Growth
New York-JFK gains service to Porto, Portugal, and Sardinia, Italy. A direct flight to Malta begins on June 6, 2026. From Boston (BOS), new service launches to Madrid, Spain, and Nice, France. Delta is also boosting its West Coast presence. New flights from Seattle (SEA) will serve Rome and Barcelona in May 2026.
Air Transat Strengthens Canadian and Leisure Connectivity
Canadian leisure carrier Air Transat is expanding its footprint. The airline focuses on new exclusive transatlantic routes. This strategy enhances connectivity from Canada's secondary hubs.
The carrier will launch its first nonstop transatlantic flight from Ottawa (YOW). This service connects Ottawa to London-Gatwick (LGW) three times weekly. A new weekly flight links Quebec City (YQB) to Marseille, France. This route provides a new gateway to the south of France.
Air Transat also adds a weekly flight from Montreal to Agadir, Morocco. This route is the first direct link to Morocco's southern Atlantic region. The airline will deploy the fuel-efficient Airbus A321LR on this route. The A321LR is a key tool for long, thin leisure routes.
Industry Impact and Fleet Strategy
This wave of new routes highlights a shift toward leisure-focused growth. Airlines are utilizing modern, efficient narrow-body aircraft. United uses the Boeing 737 MAX 8 for several new European routes. Air Transat relies on the Airbus A321LR for its expansion. These aircraft allow carriers to bypass larger hubs. This reduces connection times and improves passenger experience. The new routes increase competition in key European and Mediterranean markets. They also open new commercial opportunities for smaller airports.
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