In a development that’s set to reshape transatlantic travel for American flyers, two major U.S. airports—Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey and Boston Logan International Airport—are taking center stage with record-breaking nonstop connections to Europe in 2026. As United Airlines and JetBlue Airways expand their reach, travelers are seeing more options, more destinations, and a fresh wave of competition that could make flying to Europe easier and more affordable than ever before.
For decades, New York City’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) was the undisputed king of transatlantic gateways. But, according to reporting from Simple Flying, Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) has now overtaken JFK, offering scheduled nonstop passenger flights to a grand total of 44 European hubs in 2026—a figure that matches JFK in destinations but surpasses it in flight frequencies. This shift is largely thanks to United Airlines, which has turned Newark into its powerhouse hub for crossing the Atlantic.
United’s dominance at Newark is nothing short of impressive. Aviation analytics firm Cirium notes that United will operate 11,822 of the 19,412 scheduled one-way departures to Europe from Newark in 2026. That’s a staggering 60.9% of all transatlantic flights departing from the airport. London Heathrow (LHR) is United’s top European destination, with up to seven daily flights each way. Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) comes in next, peaking at two daily flights in the summer months. And United isn’t stopping there—the airline added new routes to Bari, Glasgow, Santiago de Compostela, and Split in October 2025, further expanding its reach into unique European destinations.
Patrick Quayle, United’s Senior Vice President of Global Network Planning and Alliances, summed up the carrier’s ambitions, saying, “United has an unmatched international network, and we pride ourselves on connecting our customers to unique, trendsetting destinations no other US airline serves.”
But United doesn’t go it alone. Its membership in Star Alliance, dating back to 1997, brings a host of European partner airlines into the Newark fold. TAP Air Portugal is the top non-U.S. carrier on European routes from Newark, with 1,047 one-way departures to Lisbon and Porto in 2026. Lufthansa isn’t far behind, offering 730 flights split evenly between Frankfurt and Munich—essentially a daily flight to each hub. Other Star Alliance members adding to the mix include Austrian Airlines (daily flights to Vienna), SWISS (daily to Zürich), Turkish Airlines (345 flights to Istanbul), and LOT Polish Airlines (285 flights to Kraków, Rzeszów, and Warsaw, with Warsaw served year-round).
Newark’s European connections aren’t limited to Star Alliance. Scandinavian carrier SAS, which joined SkyTeam in 2024, ranks third in European departures from Newark, with 991 flights to Copenhagen, Oslo, and Stockholm in 2026. Emirates, the Middle Eastern giant, operates a daily flight from Newark to Athens, which continues onward to Dubai. Meanwhile, boutique airline La Compagnie and British Airways offer 726 and 716 flights respectively, connecting Newark to Milan, Nice, Paris Orly, and London Heathrow. Icelandair, Air France, Aer Lingus, French bee, and Iberia round out the roster, offering daily or seasonal flights to Reykjavík, Paris, Dublin, and Madrid.
While Newark’s transatlantic boom is headline-grabbing, Boston Logan International Airport is making waves of its own, thanks to JetBlue Airways. According to Travel Off Path, JetBlue will launch its longest nonstop flights ever in 2026, using the fuel-efficient Airbus A321LR. The airline is set to connect Boston directly with Barcelona starting April 16, 2026, and with Milan on May 11, 2026. These new routes are more than just a milestone for JetBlue—they’re a game-changer for travelers seeking affordable, convenient options to two of Europe’s most iconic cities.
The Boston to Barcelona route, clocking in at 7 hours and 45 minutes eastbound, will give leisure and business travelers a direct, comfortable option to reach Spain’s vibrant coastal metropolis. The Boston to Milan flight, at nearly 3,847 miles and just over 8 hours, will become JetBlue’s longest nonstop flight to date, linking New England with Italy’s fashion and cultural capital.
JetBlue’s use of the Airbus A321LR is key to its long-haul ambitions. This aircraft allows the airline to operate extended-range flights from the U.S. East Coast to major European hubs without the high costs and logistical challenges of traditional wide-body jets. The A321LR features a mixed cabin configuration, including standard economy, Even More Space seats for extra legroom, and the Mint premium cabin, catering to both budget-conscious and luxury-seeking travelers.
The new nonstop routes are expected to give a significant boost to tourism in both Barcelona and Milan. For Barcelona, the direct connection means more American visitors can experience its famed architecture, Mediterranean beaches, and artistic heritage. Milan, meanwhile, stands to gain from increased business and cultural tourism, thanks to its reputation as a global fashion and design center.
JetBlue’s expansion doesn’t stop with Barcelona and Milan. The airline already operates nonstop flights from Boston to Dublin, Edinburgh, and Madrid, further solidifying its transatlantic presence. However, JetBlue has chosen not to resume its New York JFK to Amsterdam service, citing underperformance and high operating costs at Amsterdam Schiphol. Instead, passengers will be rerouted via Boston, where JetBlue is ramping up its European offerings.
Competition across the Atlantic is heating up. With Delta and United already dominating much of the market, JetBlue’s entry—leveraging the cost-effectiveness of the A321LR—brings a fresh alternative for travelers. As more airlines vie for a share of the lucrative transatlantic market, travelers can expect increased options, better pricing, and improved service.
All told, the changes coming to Newark and Boston in 2026 mark a pivotal moment for U.S.-Europe travel. Never before have so many cities on both sides of the Atlantic been connected by such a diverse mix of airlines and aircraft. For travelers, the world just got a little smaller—and a lot more accessible. As United and JetBlue continue to push boundaries, the next chapter in transatlantic travel is already underway.