United Airlines celebrates launch of new flight from New York to Split

United Airlines and the Croatian National Tourist Board (CNTB) celebrated the inaugural departure of the first nonstop service between New York/Newark (Newark Liberty International Airport, EWR) and Split Airport (SPU), the first scheduled direct flight connecting the United States with the heart of Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast. This new service builds on United’s existing seasonal Newark-Dubrovnik route, further strengthening the airline’s commitment to Croatia and providing American travelers with direct access to both Central and Southern Dalmatia from a single U.S. gateway.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place at United Airlines’ VIP lounge, bringing together senior representatives, including Patrick Quayle, United Airlines’ SVP of Global Network Planning and Alliances; Nikica Kopacevic, Consul General of the Republic of Croatia in New York; as well as members of the Croatian National Tourist Board’s New York office, and Croatian and local media. Among the first passengers were senior United representatives scheduled to attend a celebratory event in Split upon arrival alongside U.S. media and travel content creators.

“This new nonstop service is more than just a flight route; it reflects the growing enthusiasm American travelers have for Croatia,” said Leila Krešić-Jurić, Director of the Croatian National Tourist Board in North America. “We are grateful to United Airlines for their partnership and confidence in Croatia as a destination. This connection responds directly to market demand and will inspire even more U.S. travelers to explore the Dalmatian Coast, its islands, and the under-the-radar luxury experiences Croatia has to offer to this market.”

In 2025, American travelers accounted for more than 850,000 arrivals and 2.4 million overnight stays in Croatia, representing increases of 9% and 10%, respectively, compared to the previous year. The introduction of this nonstop route positions Split as an even more seamless tourist destination for U.S. visitors, unlocking easier access to island-hopping, sailing, coastal gastronomy, and the unique cultural heritage of Central Dalmatia.