This morning, United Airlines announced a new long-haul international expansion to Europe.
The airline announced that it will be adding daily flights to Iceland for the summer in hopes that relaxed entry requirements will spur demand for the popular tourist destination. Most of continental Europe remains off-limits for most U.S. citizens, and airline executives last week were pessimistic that would change in time for summer vacations. But United is picking a few European destinations that have already loosened travel restrictions or are expected to in the coming weeks.
These destinations include Iceland, Croatia and Greece.
Starting July 1st and running daily through October 3rd, United will fly from Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD) to Reykjavik’s Keflavík International Airport (KEF). United will also run daily flights to Iceland from Newark starting on June 3rd.
United Airlines’ Vice President of International Network and Alliances, Patrick Quayle, stated the following on the new routes:
“As countries around the world begin the process of reopening, leisure travelers are eager to take a long-awaited getaway to new international destinations. These three new routes unlock the natural beauty of the outdoors for our guests. They are also the latest example of how United is remaining nimble in rebuilding our network.“
The new routes are in response to customer demand. Searches on the airline’s websites for flights to Iceland, Croatia and Greece are up 61%, according to United.
Please note: Vaccinated travelers may still be subject to local country restrictions related to quarantines, testing, curfews and other Covid-19 requirements. For the latest info in regards to traveling to Iceland, please make sure to check out the government’s Covid-19 website here.
Loading…