United Airlines officially launched its new direct route between Split and New York in early May 2026. The service marks the first regular nonstop flight connecting the United States with central Croatia’s Adriatic coast.
According to the Croatian National Tourist Board (HTZ), the new seasonal route connects Split with the New York area through Newark Liberty International Airport. It also further expands United Airlines’ presence in Croatia alongside its existing seasonal route between New York/Newark and Dubrovnik.
Direct flights between New York and Split will operate three times per week during the season in both directions, without stopovers. The journey takes around eight and a half hours, with arrivals scheduled at Split Airport Saint Jerome.
To mark the inaugural flight, a ceremony was held at United Airlines’ VIP lounge in Newark and attended by airline representatives, Croatian diplomats, members of the Croatian National Tourist Board’s New York office, and Croatian and American media.
The first flight between New York and Split also carried travel journalists, content creators and United Airlines representatives who later attended a welcome event in Split after arriving in Croatia.
“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 for North America.
The introduction of the new Split–New York route comes in response to growing demand from the American market for easier access to Croatia’s coast and islands.
The launch of the new service also reflects the continued growth of American tourism in Croatia. According to HTZ data, American visitors recorded more than 850,000 arrivals and 2.4 million overnight stays in Croatia during 2025, representing an increase compared to the previous year.
The new direct connection is expected to make Split even more accessible to American travellers, particularly those planning trips around central Dalmatia, sailing holidays or island hopping to Hvar, Brač, Vis and other islands near Split.
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