United Launching New Flights To 4 European Destinations – Including An Unknown City In Spain

Some of us are already dreaming about what could be under our Christmas tree in a couple of months.

If you ask us here at Travel Off Path, feel free to box up some plane tickets and put a bow on it (enough with the Starbucks gift cards already!).

United Airlines is assisting in our master plan to score our favorite presents by announcing new flights to 4 stunning European destinations — including one Spanish city that has been flying under the radar far too long.

Each of them set for launch in 2026, that’s not as far away as it sounds since this year has zoomed by, hasn’t it?

Spanning underrated Italian shores, gorgeous Croatian coastlines, astounding Scottish marvels, and an unexpected adventure into Spain’s unknown, these are United 4 new flights to a wide range of European getaways:

1) Split, Croatia

They say “don’t let the door hit ya where the good lord Split ya”, but someone didn’t pass the memo to Croatia.

Dare we say forget Dubrovnik? Okay, that might be a hard sell. However, flying into Croatia’s famed fortified city isn’t the only option from the U.S.

Split sits along the vibrant Dalmatian Coast, offering the same Adriatic beauty with a more laid-back vibe away from Dubrovik’s crowds.

Offering a blend of Roman history, Mediterranean flair, and breezy island-hopping excursions at your doorstep, Split makes for a phenomenal gateway to hop around Croatia’s postcard beaches and charming islands.

It’s never too early the plan, but you’ll have plenty of time to dot your I’s and cross your T’s for this one as United’s launch date is slated for April 30, 2026 from Newark (EWR), which will be the only nonstop service to Split.

2) Bari, Italy

Obviously, there’s no shortage of Italian cities to jet off to from numerous U.S. airports, but this paradisal beach escape has become, shall we say, Bari trendy as of late.

While little-known Neos beat United to the punch last year with NYC’s first flight to Bari, now travelers can skip the chaos of JFK in favor of the city’s third airport — because does anyone really visit Newark for any other reason?

That’s right — New York’s smelliest airport (yeah, I said it) is set to welcome the region’s second flight to Bari, which shows how much this coastal gem in rising out of the shadows of Italy’s household names.

Set for launch May 1, 2026, travelers can prepare to be wowed by Bari’s jaw-dropping Adriatic beaches, picture-perfect Old Town district, and don’t even get me started on the next level food and wine here…

Tiella Barese, anyone?

3) Glasgow, Scotland

Welcome to Scotland’s prized city where old meets now. You’ll discover staggering Gothic cathedrals as well as plenty of modern neighborhoods with buzzing arts scenes.

Beyond welcoming locals with funny accents, Glasgow boasts gritty charm, surprising attractions, classic pubs, and an ever-growing reputation of one of the UK’s coolest getaways, making it truly one of Europe’s most underrated cities.

East Coasters will soon have the only nonstop access to hop ‘across the pond’ to Glasgow, with the inaugural flight scheduled for takeoff May 8, 2026 from, you guessed it, Newark.

4) Santiago de Compostela, Spain

Want to visit somewhere truly undiscovered by the masses?

Don’t tempt me with a good time!

What’s not a good time is Spain’s anti-tourism protests that have made waves across the world.

Though, these gatherings are largely based in places we all know and love — not the hidden gems.

But Spain has become so popular even Santiago de Compostela is battling overtourism, but United says “pish posh”.

While cities such as Madrid and Barcelona have far bigger crowds and rising prices, Spain’s gargantuan popularity has even trickled into virtually unknown destinations that the average American couldn’t point out on a map, but this just speaks to Spain’s broad appeal and diversity.

It’s safe to say travelers began visiting this city to still enjoy the delights of Spain with the crowds of aforementioned icons.

That being said, despite concerns to level out tourism, perhaps by the launch date of May 22, 2026, the tone will be different as Santiago de Compostela has taken a much friendlier approach than shooting water pistols, for example.

This under-hyped city is after all a gem well worth discovering. Protected by UNESCO, oozing timeless character through Medieval marvels, cobbled streets, spectacular locally-sourced cuisine, this city is the soul of the Galicia region, and it’s claim to fame is the legendary Camino de Santiago, a centuries-old pilgrimage drawing travelers from across the globe to its beloved cathedral.