United Airlines launches New York-Split direct route

The first aircraft operated by United Airlines on a new seasonal direct route between New York and Split, scheduled to run three times a week, landed at Split Airport.

The New York–Split route is expected to potentially develop into a year-round service in the future, CE Report quotes HINA.

Split Airport director Josip Ćorić described the launch as a historic milestone for the airport, noting that the route is being introduced in the same year the airport marks its 60th anniversary. He emphasised that the direct connection confirms the airport’s strategic role as a key gateway to Dalmatia.

He added that this year Split Airport is connected to 26 countries and serves a total of 86 direct destinations.

Patrick Quayle, senior vice president of global network planning at United Airlines, highlighted that the new route provides Americans with easier access to Split and further expands the airline’s destination network in Croatia. A direct New York–Dubrovnik route had already been introduced earlier.

State Secretary at the Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure Tomislav Mihotić said the launch represents a major step forward in connectivity between Croatia and the United States, contributing to greater visibility of Croatia’s Adriatic coast among American travellers, as well as strengthening tourism and the local economy in Dalmatia. He also noted that the route supports stronger business ties and cultural exchange between the two countries.

American tourists expected for summer vacations, events such as Ultra.

State Secretary at the Ministry of Tourism and Sport Monika Udovičić described the route as a significant boost for Croatian tourism.

US Ambassador to Croatia Nicole McGraw said the direct service is especially important as it is expected to increase the number of American visitors beyond last year’s 850,000. She noted that the route will also make it easier for Croatian national team supporters to travel to the FIFA World Cup, which the United States will co-host.

She also expressed confidence that the seasonal service could become year-round and announced that a celebration marking the 250th anniversary of American independence will be organised in Split this summer in cooperation with the Ultra festival, with many Americans expected to arrive via the new direct route.

Photo: United Airlines