United Airlines marks launch of first direct flight from New York to Split

United Airlines and the Croatian National Tourist Board (CNTB) marked the inaugural flight of the first direct service between New York/Newark and Split Airport, the first scheduled nonstop connection between the United States and the heart of the Dalmatian coast. The new route complements the existing seasonal Newark–Dubrovnik service and further confirms United Airlines’ commitment to Croatia, enabling American travellers direct access to Central and Southern Dalmatia.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was held in the United Airlines VIP lounge, attended by senior officials including Patrick Quayle, Senior Vice President of Global Network Planning and Alliances at United Airlines; Nikica Kopačević, Consul General of the Republic of Croatia in New York; representatives of the CNTB office in New York; as well as Croatian and local media. Among the first passengers were senior United Airlines representatives, who upon arrival in Split joined the official celebration together with American media and travel content creators.

“This new direct route is not just another air connection, but a reflection of the growing interest of American travellers in Croatia,” said Leila Krešić-Jurić, Director of the CNTB Representative Office for North America. “We are grateful to United Airlines for their partnership and confidence in Croatia as a destination. This route directly responds to market demand and will encourage even more American visitors to explore the Dalmatian coast, its islands, and the lesser-known luxury experiences Croatia offers,” she added.

In 2025, American travellers recorded more than 850,000 arrivals and 2.4 million overnight stays in Croatia, representing a 9% increase in arrivals and a 10% increase in overnight stays compared to the previous year. The introduction of this direct service further positions Split as an even more accessible destination for US visitors, providing easier access not only to Split but also to other destinations along this part of the Adriatic coast.

Source and photo: CNTB