United Airlines Expands Transatlantic Network with Nonstop Service Between Newark and Santiago de Compostela, Spain
United Airlines has inaugurated nonstop service between Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and Santiago de Compostela, Spain, marking the first-ever scheduled air connection between the United States and Galicia. The first flight departed on May 27, 2026, officially commencing the new route.
The new service strengthens United’s transatlantic network in Spain, where Santiago de Compostela becomes the airline’s sixth destination alongside Madrid, Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, and Bilbao. The addition reinforces United’s position as the U.S. carrier serving the largest number of Spanish destinations. Newark continues to serve as a key gateway to Spain, with growing transatlantic demand supporting expanded connectivity.
Santiago de Compostela, a UNESCO World Heritage City, is renowned as the final destination of the Camino de Santiago, one of Europe’s most important pilgrimage routes. Its historical, cultural, and spiritual significance has made it an increasingly popular destination for international travelers seeking heritage-driven and experiential tourism.
The inaugural ceremony at Newark Liberty International Airport was attended by senior representatives from United Airlines, Turespaña, and the City of Newark, including: Jon Gooda, Vice President, Newark Hub Operations, United Airlines; David Kinzelman, Senior Vice President, Airport Operations, United Airlines; Magí Castelltort, Consul for Tourism Affairs, Turespaña, and Ligia DeFreitas, Deputy Mayor, Office of International Relations and Diaspora Affairs, City of Newark
The new route responds to sustained U.S. demand for travel to Spain, particularly Galicia. According to MMGY research commissioned by the Turespaña Office in New York, interest in Santiago de Compostela is driven by high-value U.S. travelers, with average annual household incomes of approximately $158,000. Demand is concentrated in key outbound markets, led by California (20%) and New York (16%), which together represent a significant share of potential visitors.
The study also highlights the distinctive travel motivations associated with Santiago. Among Americans who have visited the city, 74% report spiritual motivations, while 44% identify as Catholic, underscoring Santiago’s role as a leading destination for faith-based and heritage travel in Europe.
Galicia continues to strengthen its position in the U.S. market, ranking seventh in overnight hotel stays by American visitors and recording 6% growth in 2025, making it one of Spain’s fastest-growing destinations for U.S. travelers.
The United States remains Spain’s fourth-largest long-haul tourism market, in terms of expenditure, and sixth in terms of visitor arrivals. In 2025, American travelers contributed nearly $11.24 billion in spending and totaled 4.45 million arrivals, setting new records for the country. This represented a 4.3% increase in arrivals and a 13.4% rise in total expenditure compared to 2024. Early 2026 figures show continued momentum: from January through March, Spain welcomed 732,577 U.S. visitors (+5.0% year-over-year), generating approximately $1.9 billion in spending (+14.1%).
Looking ahead, the Turespaña Office in New York plans to expand its marketing partnership with United Airlines to promote awareness of new Spanish gateways, including Santiago de Compostela and Bilbao. The collaboration aims to position Spain’s northern regions as high-value destinations for U.S. travelers seeking cultural, coastal, and spiritual experiences.
Media Contact:
Tourist Office of Spain (Turespaña) – New York
