United Airlines Expands Network: Split Becomes an American Destination

Great news comes from United Airlines; one of the largest American airlines has announced the introduction of a direct transatlantic route from Newark Airport to Split and back. 

In the following lines, we’ll learn how and why this happened, how the route will operate, and what it means for our country.

Historic Relations Between Croatia and the United States as a Foundation for Cooperation

The brotherly relationship between the U.S. and Croatia can be traced back centuries, to the time when the first Croatian emigrants crossed the ocean by ship in search of a better life and the American dream. America welcomed Croatian workers with open arms, who in return helped build the country that is today, one of the leading nations in the world.

Many Croatians who arrived decided to stay on American soil, raising families whose descendants can now be followed through generations, yet never losing their connection with their homeland.

The United States played an indispensable role in supporting Croatia during its fight for independence in the early 1990s, so it can be said that relations between the two countries have been friendly and fair from the very beginning.

Visa Waiver Opened the Door to New Opportunities

A special milestone in relations between the two countries came in September 2021, when the visa requirement was lifted for Croatian citizens traveling to the U.S. The removal of visas is more than a symbol of mutual trust, it brings tangible benefits for the citizens of both countries. 

Ending visa restrictions strengthened economic ties, made travel easier for Croatian citizens to the United States, and led to growing interest from American tourists in Croatia.

One consequence of the visa waiver and the strengthening of ties between the two nations is the introduction of direct flight routes between Croatia and the U.S. The Croatian National Tourist Board, along with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, encourages and welcomes the introduction of new routes to improve Croatia’s accessibility for American tourists.

During the first half of this year, more than 260,000 American tourists visited Croatia, a 16% increase compared to the same period last year. 

Details of the New Split–Newark Flight Route

Following the introduction of the first direct transatlantic route connecting Dubrovnik and Newark, United Airlines has decided to add another one, this time connecting Split with Newark Airport.

The route is scheduled to launch on April 30, 2026, and will operate three times a week, on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Flights from Split will depart at 10 a.m., landing on U.S. soil at 2 p.m. local time. Flights from Newark to Split will depart at 5 p.m. and land in Split at 8 a.m. the following day.

The airline expects huge interest in this route given Split’s popularity among American tourists.

The route will operate until September 5, covering the entire tourist season. It’s important to note that this is the first direct flight from America to Split and the only transatlantic route from Split Airport.

The flights will be operated by a Boeing 767–300 ER aircraft, capable of carrying up to 167 passengers, making it the first wide-body aircraft in Split Airport.

Split in the Spotlight: The New Tourist Hit for the American Market

This route is part of United Airlines’ expansion campaign into four cities, which includes Split, Bari, Santiago de Compostela, and Glasgow.

It’s no surprise that United Airlines is expanding its presence in Europe; London, Rome, and Paris have shown slower growth in recent seasons, leading airlines to seek destinations with higher demand.

United Airlines presents Split to its American passengers as a trendsetting destination that combines ancient ruins and modern cafés, a city known for its historical landmarks, great food, and adventures on nearby islands.

The growing number of visitors arriving via these flights also fuels interest in apartments in Split, whether for short-term rentals or as real estate investments in the heart of Dalmatia.

Conclusion

The introduction of a direct flight between Split and Newark is an important step not only for the development of Croatian tourism but also for the deepening of relations between Croatia and the United States. This new route symbolizes Croatia’s growing recognition as an attractive and accessible destination for American travelers. 

With the rising interest of Americans in the Dalmatian coast, its rich cultural heritage, and unique lifestyle, it’s clear that Split has the potential to become one of the leading tourist centers in the region. The new air connection will further strengthen economic and cultural ties and open the door to new opportunities for cooperation between the two countries.