United Airlines makes its debut in Bari, operating the new route from Newark/New York with four weekly flights.
The only direct flight between the United States and Bari
This is the only direct connection between the United States and Bari, bringing the carrier’s total number of direct flights per day from the US to Italy to 15 (during the peak summer season). The new seasonal service from Puglia joins those already in operation, which include year-round daily connections between Rome, Newark/New York and Washington D.C. and between Milan and Newark/New York, alongside seasonal flights between Rome and Chicago O’Hare, Denver and San Francisco, between Milan and Chicago O’Hare, between Naples, Venice and Palermo and Newark/New York, and between Venice and Washington D.C.
"Geared towards a more discerning form of tourism"
“The arrival of the first flight from New York is an important sign of the growth of the city of Bari, which is increasingly establishing itself, even overseas, as an attractive, modern and welcoming tourist destination. The introduction of this route fits perfectly with our strategy, which is geared towards a more discerning form of tourism, interested in gaining a deeper understanding of our traditions and cultural heritage. Suffice it to say that, in the first few months of 2026, even in the absence of a direct flight, 2.7% of travellers staying overnight in Bari already came from the United States," said Vito Leccese, Mayor of Bari.
"Boosting Puglia’s role as a bridge between cultures"
“The launch of the Bari-Newark a key milestone for us, further strengthening Puglia’s opening up to international markets,- said Antonio Maria Vasile, president of Aeroporti di Puglia. “We welcome this route not only for its strategic value, but also for the opportunities it offers. We have worked closely with the Italian communities living in New York to promote a "return to our roots" for our community. The four weekly flights will enable a growing number of American travellers to reach our region which has become a widely recognized brand worldwide, synonymous with beauty, authenticity and hospitality. At the same time, this flight is an important opportunity for the people of Puglia and passengers from neighbouring regions, to travel to New York. Our shared goal is to offer our regions an ever-expanding network of opportunities, strengthening Puglia’s role as a bridge between cultures and as a region capable of welcoming a growing number of international visitors each year.”
"Puglia is famous for its beautiful hilltop villages and turquoise beaches"
“Our customers in Bari and Puglia will benefit from a convenient direct service between Bari and our Newark/New York hub, as well as the ability to easily reach more than 55 destinations in the Americas, whilst US travellers will be able to fly directly to Puglia, famous for its beautiful hilltop villages and turquoise beaches,” added Thorsten Lettnin, director of sales, continental Europe, Middle East, Africa, Israel and India, United Airlines. In summer 2026, United will be the only US airline operating direct flights to four new destinations from its Newark/New York hub: Bari, in Italy; Split, in Croatia; Glasgow, in Scotland; and Santiago de Compostela, in Spain. The airline is also adding its first service between Washington D.C. and Reykjavik, Iceland, as well as a new year-round daily direct service from Newark/New York to Seoul, South Korea.
