The airline United Airlines is poised to take another leap forward in the Italian market, and starting in 2027 travelers will enjoy an increasingly extensive flight network not limited to Milan; the links between the United States and Italy are set to improve, blending business travel with leisure and extending opportunities even from the islands.
Beyond simply expanding existing routes, new direct connections are being introduced that are ready to win over travelers: from Sardinia and Sicily, there will be direct flights to New York, while a new direct service to Washington will make its debut.
From Olbia to New York
From the summer of 2027, Sardinia will open its skies to the United States. The route will link Olbia with Newark, marking its inaugural departure on May 27 and operating three times a week through September 21. The choice of Olbia underlines the growing interest of American carriers in leisure destinations rich in tourist identity and demanding international demand in the mid-to-higher segment. It is a clear sign that the Italian region is increasing its international visibility and gaining popularity in the United States as well.
The airline’s aim is to build a broad network that feeds the Olbia–Newark route with passengers from various U.S. cities, expanding the catchment and reaching beyond New York and New Jersey. Given the route’s competitiveness and the rising level of competition, travelers could benefit from more competitive fares.
From Catania to New York
With the new Newark–Catania link, Sicily also gains a direct connection to the United States. From May 28, 2027, with four weekly departures and until September 20, travelers will fly comfortably aboard a Boeing 767-300ER. The combination of VIP weddings and international resonance is helping Sicily become a reference point for international tourism, and the airline has recognized this by strengthening its presence right in the peak season.
For United, the Newark–Catania route represents another step toward building a more widespread Italian network, where regional destinations stand alongside the traditional major airports. The location is particularly convenient for exploring dream locales such as Taormina, Syracuse, Noto, and of course Mount Etna, in addition to the island’s eastern coastal area.
A new link from Malpensa to Washington
In addition to the two islands, the airline announced a third development: the possibility of a direct connection from May 28, 2027 linking Washington Dulles and Milan Malpensa. The Milan hub, emblematic of Italian business, thus gains a new convenient gateway to the United States.
Washington Dulles is one of United’s most important hubs on the East Coast and enables onward connections to numerous U.S. destinations. Milan Malpensa, on the other hand, represents one of Italy’s largest bases for intercontinental traffic and business travel. It is not the first gateway in the region; a Palermo connection is already delivering notable results.
The three new routes reflect a differentiated yet coherent strategy: increased capacity to Italy, greater attention to regional destinations, and a strengthening of links between the leading economic centers of the two countries.
