Eight new transatlantic routes are set to be introduced from the United States and Canada in 2026, expanding international travel options significantly. Among the most notable additions is Etihad Airways, which will operate flights from its hub in Abu Dhabi to Charlotte, North Carolina, marking the airline’s first service to this airport. These new routes will enhance connectivity across the Atlantic and cater to the increasing demand for international travel.
Overview of New Routes
The launch of these routes includes several exciting connections. Specifically, Etihad will commence flights from Abu Dhabi to Charlotte on May 4, 2026, operating four times weekly on a Boeing 787-9. This long-distance flight covers approximately 6,437 nautical miles (11,921 kilometers) each way. Passengers will benefit from the US pre-clearance facility available at Abu Dhabi International Airport, streamlining their arrival in the United States.
Delta Air Lines is also expanding its reach, introducing multiple new services. Starting on May 6, 2026, Delta will initiate flights from Seattle to Rome Fiumicino, followed by routes to Barcelona on May 7, 2026, and Nice on May 16, 2026. Each route will enhance Delta’s offerings to Europe and is expected to attract leisure travelers and business commuters alike.
American Airlines will join the fray with a daily service from Dallas/Fort Worth to Athens, starting on May 21, 2026. This new link positions Dallas as a key gateway for travelers heading to Greece, enhancing the city’s profile in the international travel market.
Air Canada is also making significant strides with two new routes. Flights from Montreal to Catania will commence on June 4, 2026, followed by services to Palma de Mallorca starting on June 17, 2026. The route to Palma marks a historic first for Canada, providing scheduled service to Spain’s Balearic Islands.
Strategic Importance of New Services
The introduction of these routes is not merely about expanding flight options; it reflects a strategic response to growing traveler demand. For instance, the new service from Amman to Dallas/Fort Worth by Royal Jordanian, beginning on May 10, 2026, will be the airline’s seventh North American destination. Covering 6,114 nautical miles (11,323 kilometers) each way, this route is set to become a vital link between the Middle East and Texas.
In the past year, approximately 545 daily round-trip passengers traveled between Dallas and the Middle East, with Amman being a significant destination. As Royal Jordanian enters this market, it will leverage its hub in Amman to facilitate connections to other cities, enhancing travel options for passengers from various regions, including Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Air Canada’s new route to Palma de Mallorca features the Airbus A321XLR, which will operate with a configuration of 182 seats, including 14 in business class. This long-haul service, with flight durations of up to 8 hours 55 minutes, signifies Air Canada’s focus on leisure travel, catering to tourists seeking sun-drenched vacations in the Mediterranean.
As these new routes roll out in 2026, travelers can expect enhanced connectivity and increased competition among airlines, potentially leading to more options and better pricing for passengers. The anticipated expansion underscores the airlines’ commitment to meeting the evolving needs of international travelers while providing significant economic benefits to the cities involved.
