Unprecedented Expansion of International Routes by Major U.S. Airlines in 2026
Major U.S. carriers are launching an unprecedented wave of new international routes in 2026. This expansion offers travelers nonstop access to a multitude of European and Asian destinations. United Airlines, Delta, and American Airlines are spearheading the expansion with over two dozen new transatlantic and transpacific services.
United Airlines
In 2026, United Airlines will become the sole U.S. carrier offering nonstop flights to four new European destinations from Newark. These include:
- Split, Croatia (April 30)
- Bari, Italy (May 1)
- Santiago de Compostela, Spain (May 22)
- Year-round service to Seoul, South Korea (September 2026)
Additionally, the airline is launching its first-ever route from Washington D.C. to Reykjavik, Iceland on May 21, 2026.
Delta Air Lines
Delta Air Lines is gearing up for its largest transatlantic schedule ever in summer 2026, with over 650 weekly flights to nearly 30 European destinations.
American Airlines
Meanwhile, American Airlines is setting a new record with its service to Italy and Greece, offering 18 daily flights. This includes the only nonstop service from Philadelphia to Budapest, Hungary, and from Dallas Fort Worth to Zurich, Switzerland.
Alaska Airlines and JetBlue
Other airlines are also expanding their services. Alaska Airlines is enhancing its Alaska service with 17 nonstop destinations from Anchorage. At the same time, JetBlue is launching five new routes from San Juan, Puerto Rico to various U.S. cities in March 2026.
Source: Newsweek