Travel between Italy and the United States is set for another major expansion in 2027, with United Airlines adding new nonstop connections to Sicily, Sardinia and Milan as competition among U.S. carriers for the Italian market accelerates.
United will launch seasonal nonstop service from Newark Liberty International Airport to Olbia, Sardinia, on May 27, 2027, operating 3 flights per week with a Boeing 767-300ER. One day later, the airline will begin Newark–Catania service, with 4 weekly flights using the same aircraft. The Olbia route is scheduled through September 21, while Catania will operate through September 20.
The expansion puts United into direct competition with Delta Air Lines on both Italian islands. Delta made history in May 2026 by opening the first nonstop connection between the United States and Sardinia, linking New York-JFK with Olbia. Delta also pioneered its New York-JFK–Catania route in May 2025 and plans to continue serving Sicily in 2027.
United already connects Newark with Palermo and has confirmed the return of its Bari service, strengthening direct U.S. access to southern Italy.
Northern Italy is also gaining an important transatlantic link. Beginning May 28, 2027, United will introduce a nonstop Washington Dulles–Milan Malpensa flight 3 times weekly, creating the only nonstop connection between Milan and the U.S. capital.
The airline says it will serve more Italian destinations nonstop from the United States than any other U.S. carrier. The Italy additions form part of United’s largest international expansion ever – 10 new international cities plus additional routes in 2027 – further strengthening the increasingly dense air bridge connecting Italy and the United States.
