Split entered a new phase in the development of its air connectivity on May 1. United Airlines’ first aircraft on the new route from Newark landed at Sveti Jeronim Airport in Resnik, giving Split its first regular long-haul, transatlantic service. The seasonal route from Newark to Split will operate three times per week with a Boeing 767-300ER until September 6.
The first arrival of the U.S. carrier in Split carried both symbolic and operational significance. The Boeing 767-300ER landed in the early morning hours after just over eight hours of flying across the Atlantic. According to local media reports, the aircraft arrived in Split at around 7 a.m., carrying passengers, United Airlines representatives, U.S. media, and travel content creators. The arrival was marked by a ceremonial welcome at Split Airport, attended by representatives of the local community, the tourism sector and U.S. diplomacy.
The new route is particularly important for central Dalmatia, as it gives U.S. passengers a direct connection to Split for the first time, without the need to transfer through one of Europe’s major hubs. This positions Split not only as an entry point for the city and its surroundings, but also for the islands, the coast and the wider Dalmatian tourism region. The Croatian National Tourist Board has also emphasized that the U.S. market is showing growing interest in Croatia, especially for travel outside the peak summer season.
On the same day, United also resumed its seasonal route between Newark and Dubrovnik. Unlike Split, Dubrovnik already has an established United transatlantic operation, and this year, according to available information, it will have daily flights from Newark. The U.S. carrier is therefore connecting two key points in southern Croatia with the east coast of the United States during the summer season.
For Split, the arrival of a widebody aircraft is both a confirmation of market potential and a serious operational test. Sveti Jeronim Airport is primarily adapted to a high volume of narrowbody aircraft operated by European carriers, while handling a Boeing 767 requires a different level of coordination in terms of apron management, ground handling, passenger flows and aircraft servicing. During the summer months, when traffic in Split is traditionally at its most intense, any major delay or disruption could create additional pressure on the airport’s infrastructure.
The Newark, Split route was announced last October, when United presented its expanded network for summer 2026. Alongside Split, the carrier also announced new services from Newark to Bari, Glasgow and Santiago de Compostela, continuing its strategy of linking the U.S. market with European destinations that are not necessarily major hubs, but have strong tourism potential.
