Scotland’s gateway to the Highlands, Glasgow Airport will see the return of United Airline’s direct flights to Newark Liberty International Airport in New York from May 2026.
The daily scheduled service will run initially from 8 May to 23 September 2026 and marks the return of United Airlines to the Scottish hub after a six-year hiatus.
“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome United Airlines back to Glasgow Airport,” said Math Hazelwood, CCO at AGS Airports. The airport operator, which was earlier this year acquired by AviAlliance, manages Aberdeen and Southampton airports in the UK as well as Glasgow.
“New York is the most requested destination from our passengers and this new service will provide a vital link for both leisure and business travellers,” he continued.
“It also represents a major opportunity for inbound tourism, with hundreds of American visitors arriving daily to experience Scotland’s world-class golf, whisky and stunning landscapes. This route will be a fantastic boost for the region and the wider Scottish economy.”
Operated on a Boeing 737 MAX-8 aircraft with a total of 166 seats including 86 in economy and 16 in premium economy as well as 54 economy plus seats, the route has been hailed as a “landmark achievement” that will bring “considerable cultural and tourism benefits,” by both business and civic leaders.
The return of United Airlines strengthens the US carriers transatlantic ties and is part of a wider network expansion. Other new routes United include Split in Croatia, Santiago de Compostela in Spain and Bari in Italy.
For Glasgow the return of links with Newark is testament to the airport’s route development team and the airport’s focus on working closely with partners across the Glasgow City Region. “Our new owners are committed to strengthening Glasgow’s connectivity alongside delivering a best-in-class airport as part of the multi-million-pound investment programme announced in April this year,” added Hazelwood.
Glasgow is expecting “strong demand” for this new route and is working with United Airlines, as well as other local business partners, to ensure it is a success.
Stuart Patrick Chief Executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce explained: “Securing a new direct route to New York City is a landmark achievement for both the city and the airport. The United States remains one of our most important trading partners, and with East Coast of America being a priority export market for the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, this news will strengthen efforts in attracting inward investment and international trade.
“Huge credit is due to the dedicated staff and the new ownership group at AGS, whose commitment to championing our city and tireless work have made this development possible.”
