United Airlines Launches First Direct New York – Split Flight in 2026!

A Dream Come True! United Airlines Launches First Direct New York – Split Flight in 2026!

For all travelers who love the Croatian region of Dalmatia or dream of an easy trip to New York, we have groundbreaking news! United Airlines has announced one of the most exciting additions to its transatlantic summer schedule for 2026: the launch of a direct seasonal service between Newark/New York (EWR) and Split (SPU).

This move changes the game, finally connecting the heart of Dalmatia directly with the United States after years of anticipation.

Key Details of the New Route

The new route will kick off on April 30, 2026, and will operate three times a week throughout the entire summer season, typically until early September. Split will become only the second Croatian destination in United Airlines’ network, right after Dubrovnik, solidifying Croatia’s position as a key European destination for American tourists.

Summary of Information:
  • Route: Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) ↔ Split Airport (SPU).

  • Start Date: April 30, 2026.

  • Frequency: 3x weekly (departures from New York on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday).

  • Aircraft: Boeing 767-300ER.

Why This is Such a Big Deal

This flight holds enormous significance for several reasons:

  1. First Direct USA – Split Connection: This is the first-ever scheduled direct flight connecting Split and the entire Dalmatian Coast with the United States. This will significantly simplify travel for tourists eager to explore Hvar, Brač, Vis, and other islands, for which Split serves as the ideal gateway.

  2. First Wide-Body Aircraft: The Boeing 767-300ER will be deployed on the route, marking the first time a regular wide-body aircraft operates at Split Airport.

  3. High Comfort: United Airlines is deploying aircraft with a premium configuration on this route, often featuring their flagship business class, Polaris, as well as Premium Plus (premium economy). This indicates that United anticipates strong demand for a more luxurious travel experience on this connection

Part of a Global Expansion

The Split – New York route is part of United Airlines’ comprehensive European summer 2026 schedule, which also includes new nonstop flights to other European destinations like Bari (Italy), Glasgow (Scotland), and Santiago de Compostela (Spain). This strengthens United’s position as the US carrier with the largest number of transatlantic destinations.

If you’ve been considering a trip to Dalmatia but were put off by long layovers, now is the time to start planning! Direct flights are already available for booking, so don’t hesitate to secure your place in the history of the first direct flight between New York and Split!

Happy travels!