Planning your European adventure in 2026 just got a lot easier. Major U.S. airlines are launching new nonstop flights from cities across the country to Italy, Greece, and Spain. Whether you’re hoping to stroll the historic streets of Rome, relax on the beaches of Greece, or explore the northern regions of Spain, these new flights open up more options to get you there efficiently and comfortably.
For travelers used to routing through hubs like New York or Miami, 2026 introduces several new departure cities and regional destinations, allowing you to spend less time in the air and more time exploring. In this guide, we’ll walk you through all the new nonstop routes, offer flight time estimates, and give tips on how to make the most of these opportunities for your European itinerary.
👉 For more comprehensive advice on flight planning, check out our Guide on How to Plan Flights to Italy & Europe!
Italy is at the heart of the 2026 transatlantic expansion, with several new nonstop routes from the U.S. designed to help travelers reach both well-known cities and regional bases.
| Departure (U.S.) | Arrival (Italy) | Airline | Start Date / Notes | Estimated Flight Time |
| Newark (EWR) | Bari (BRI) | United Airlines | Seasonal, May 1, 2026 — first nonstop to Bari from the U.S. | ~9 hrs 30 min |
| New York (JFK) | Olbia, Sardinia (OLB) | Delta Air Lines | Seasonal, May 20, 2026 — first nonstop to Sardinia | ~9 hrs 45 min |
| Seattle (SEA) | Rome (FCO) | Alaska Airlines | Seasonal, May 23, 2026 — Alaska’s first transatlantic route | ~11 hrs 30 min |
| Houston (IAH) | Rome (FCO) | ITA Airways | Seasonal, May 1, 2026 — first-ever Houston ↔ Rome nonstop | ~10 hrs 50 min |
These new routes give travelers flexibility and convenience. Flying into Bari provides direct access to Puglia, a region famous for charming towns, olive groves, and dramatic coastlines — and avoids the extra travel from Rome. Sardinia’s new nonstop opens up island adventures without the hassle of connecting flights. For travelers on the West Coast or central U.S., Seattle and Houston departures reduce domestic travel before heading across the Atlantic.
Greece is seeing fewer new U.S. departures in 2026, but the addition of Dallas/Fort Worth → Athens is a significant expansion for travelers in central U.S.
| Departure (U.S.) | Arrival (Greece) | Airline | Start Date / Notes | Estimated Flight Time |
| Dallas–Fort Worth (DFW) | Athens (ATH) | American Airlines | Seasonal, Summer 2026 — expands access from the southern U.S. | ~11 hrs 30 min |
This flight is ideal for those looking to combine a Greek adventure with Italy. Arriving in Athens from the central U.S. allows you to plan open-jaw trips, for example flying into Athens and out of Rome, maximizing your time in Europe while keeping flights simple and direct.
Spain is welcoming two notable new U.S. routes. One opens access to northern Spain, while the other strengthens an existing East Coast connection.
| Departure (U.S.) | Arrival (Spain) | Airline | Start Date / Notes | Estimated Flight Time |
| Newark (EWR) | Santiago de Compostela (SCQ) | United Airlines | Seasonal, Summer 2026 — first nonstop U.S. flight to this northern city | ~8 hrs 50 min |
| Boston (BOS) | Barcelona (BCN) | JetBlue | Seasonal expansion, April 16, 2026 — daily summer service | ~7 hrs 45 min |
Santiago de Compostela is a hidden gem in Galicia, perfect for travelers looking for authentic cultural experiences off the usual tourist path. Meanwhile, the Boston to Barcelona route makes summer trips easier for those who prefer East Coast departures without routing through New York or Miami.
Currently, there are no widely confirmed brand-new nonstop U.S. routes to France or Portugal in 2026. Paris (CDG) remains the primary U.S. gateway, while Lisbon (LIS) and Porto (OPO) continue to serve as Portugal’s main hubs. However, seasonal adjustments may occur, and existing flights continue to offer reliable connections for travelers planning trips to these countries.
While 2025 saw significant expansion in major Italian hubs, 2026 focuses on regional destinations and new departure cities:
| Year | Highlighted New Routes | Notes |
| 2025 | JFK → Catania ATL → Naples PHL → Milan |
Concentrated on traditional hubs and peak summer demand |
| 2026 | EWR → Bari JFK → Sardinia SEA → Rome IAH → Rome DFW → Athens |
Regional access, new U.S. hubs, southern Italy and island destinations |
The takeaway: 2026 flight route additions give travelers more flexibility, shorter connections, and easier access to lesser-known regions, which is particularly useful for small-group or multi-city tours.
Travelers now have more options than ever to plan efficient itineraries. Direct flights to regional destinations reduce travel time, and open-jaw ticket strategies — like arriving in Bari and departing from Rome — make multi-region Italy tours simpler. These flights can help travelers coordinate with tour start and end cities, a major convenience for travelers booking Nada’s Italy small-group experiences.
Most new flights operate May through September, so it’s wise to plan and book early to secure the best options.
Booking transatlantic flights can feel overwhelming, especially with so many new options in 2026. Here are some practical tips to make the process smoother and stress-free:
Many of the new flights are seasonal, mostly operating from May through September. Airlines occasionally adjust schedules or start dates, so always verify directly with the carrier before booking. You can check schedules at the official websites below. This ensures you’re seeing the most current availability and flight times.
| Airline | Official Website |
| Delta Air Lines | https://www.delta.com/ |
| American Airlines | https://www.aa.com/ |
| United Airlines | https://www.united.com/ |
| Alaska Airlines | https://www.alaskaair.com/ |
| JetBlue | https://www.jetblue.com/ |
| ITA Airways | https://www.ita-airways.com/ |
If your tour starts in one city and ends in another (for example, flying into Bari and departing from Rome), an open-jaw ticket can save you time and reduce domestic travel within Europe. Many travelers find this approach more convenient and cost-effective than booking multiple one-way tickets.
Nada’s Italy small group tours sometimes start and end in different cities. Plan your flights to arrive at least a day early to account for potential delays, and give yourself a buffer to settle in before your tour begins. This can make your entire trip feel more relaxed and enjoyable.
With the addition of new nonstop routes, summer seats are likely to fill quickly. Early booking increases your chances of snagging the flight and cabin class you prefer, whether it’s Premium Economy, Business, or First Class.
Each airline has its own policies for checked baggage, carry-ons, and connecting flights if you’re combining routes. Make sure to review these details to avoid surprises.
Traveler note: Flight schedules, start dates, and times are always subject to change. We recommend checking the official airline websites listed above before purchasing tickets, and keeping an eye out for updates closer to your travel dates.
2026 is an exciting year for U.S. travelers heading to Italy and Europe. With new nonstop flights to regional Italian destinations, Greece, and Spain, planning your trip has never been easier. Whether you’re exploring Italy’s islands, visiting cultural gems in Spain, or enjoying Greece’s historic cities, these routes help you get there faster and with fewer connections.
Explore Nada’s Italy tours, check out our trip planning resources (links below), and contact your Journey Expert to see if we can help you plan your next adventure.
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