Discover Newark Liberty New European Routes for 2026

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is predicted to have more transatlantic routes than John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) for the first time in 2026. With 44 destinations, EWR has surpassed JFK which has long been seen as a dominant operator for transatlantic travel. This is primarily a result of United Airlines’ aggressive hub and spoke strategy centered in Newark.

United Airlines Powers Newark’s European Connections

United Airlines has been a major driver of Newark’s rise as a European gateway. The Chicago-based airline, a founding member of the Star Alliance, operates numerous flights from Newark to a range of European destinations. According to Cirium, a leading aviation analytics firm, United Airlines will operate 11,822 of the total 19,412 one-way departures to Europe from Newark in 2026, accounting for 60.9% of the flights.

United’s most frequent European destination from Newark is London Heathrow, with up to seven daily flights. Other major European hubs such as Paris Charles de Gaulle also see frequent departures, though the number of daily flights is lower, with Paris reaching up to two flights per day in the summer. Recently, United has expanded its European network with new routes to cities like Bari, Glasgow, Santiago de Compostela, and Split, providing even more options for travelers.

United’s European Network from Newark

United Airlines’ dominance at Newark is evident in its European network, which includes some of the most sought-after destinations. From London to Paris, travelers can expect frequent flights, especially during the busy summer months. United’s summer schedule also includes additional flights to new destinations, offering more variety to those looking for unique European travel experiences.

For travelers flying through Newark, it’s essential to note that United Airlines’ services provide a seamless connection for those continuing on domestic flights within the United States. Passengers can easily access multiple U.S. cities through United’s domestic network, making Newark an ideal transit point.

Star Alliance Partners Boost European Connections

As a founding member of the Star Alliance, United Airlines is supported by several international carriers operating from Newark to Europe. TAP Air Portugal, for example, has scheduled over 1,000 one-way departures to Lisbon and Porto from Newark in 2026, making it a top European carrier from the airport. TAP’s extensive European network provides numerous connecting options for travelers wishing to explore the Iberian Peninsula.

Other major Star Alliance carriers at Newark include Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, SWISS, LOT Polish Airlines, and Turkish Airlines. Lufthansa operates frequent flights to its hubs in Frankfurt and Munich, while Austrian Airlines flies directly to Vienna and SWISS connects Newark to Zürich. Turkish Airlines operates 345 flights to Istanbul, offering one of the most popular connections between the U.S. and Turkey. Additionally, LOT Polish Airlines offers service to Warsaw, Kraków, and Rzeszów, expanding travel options to Central and Eastern Europe.

European Routes from Newark

The following European airlines are key players in Newark’s transatlantic network:

• Austrian Airlines: Daily flights to Vienna.
• Lufthansa: Service to Frankfurt and Munich.
• SWISS: Daily flights to Zürich.
• TAP Air Portugal: Flights to Lisbon and Porto.
• Turkish Airlines: Service to Istanbul.
• LOT Polish Airlines: Flights to Warsaw, Kraków, and Rzeszów.

These airlines provide an extensive range of options for travelers heading to Europe from Newark, with flights available year-round to many destinations. Travelers can enjoy flexible scheduling and smooth connections, especially for those connecting to other Star Alliance flights across Europe.

Travel Tips for Newark to Europe

1. Book Early for Best Deals: With Newark offering so many direct flights to Europe, it’s important to book early to secure the best fares. Prices can fluctuate, so early booking increases your chances of snagging affordable tickets.
2. Check Baggage Policies: Different airlines have varying baggage policies, so check with your airline before you travel. For instance, United Airlines and its partners may have different luggage allowances, especially for long-haul international flights.
3. Consider Connecting Flights: While Newark offers numerous direct flights, sometimes a connecting flight can be more affordable or offer more convenient times. Many Star Alliance carriers provide easy connections to other major European cities.
4. Use Newark’s Amenities: Newark Liberty has many services to make your trip more comfortable, including lounges, dining options, and fast-track security. Familiarize yourself with airport facilities to enhance your travel experience.
5. Pack for the Weather: Europe has varying climates, so be sure to pack accordingly based on your destination. From chilly winters in Vienna to warmer summers in Lisbon, weather conditions can differ widely across European countries.

Conclusion

Newark Liberty International Airport is quickly becoming the dominant airport for transatlantic flights. In 2026 Newark surpassed JFK for number of European routes. Newark is the best for international travel because of wide coverage across major European cities because of United Airlines and Star Alliance partner connections. Newark makes travel to Europe easy because of it’s many direct flights and connections to several European destinations.

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