United Kingdom, Portugal, Switzerland, Germany, Greece, and More Newark Dominates U.S.-Europe Flight, Outshining JFK in Key Summer Routes: You Need to Know

Saturday, July 5, 2025

As the summer travel season peaks, Newark Liberty International Airport has firmly established itself as the leading U.S. gateway to Europe, surpassing JFK in terms of European connectivity. Newark’s strategic position, coupled with its extensive network of high-frequency services to key European destinations such as the United Kingdom, Portugal, Switzerland, Germany, and Greece, makes it the primary hub for transatlantic flights. The airport’s dominance is further reinforced by United Airlines’ significant presence, which drives a substantial portion of Newark’s European traffic. The expansion of Newark’s European routes this summer, with new destinations and increased flight frequencies, highlights its continued growth in the transatlantic market, ensuring it outshines JFK in key summer routes.

Data from Cirium Diio indicates that between July and September 2025, Newark will operate flights to 40 European cities, outpacing JFK by just one route. This marginal but significant difference places Newark in a prime position, particularly given its status as a hub for United Airlines, which dominates European flights at the airport.

Expanding Newark’s European Presence

The third quarter of 2025 will see significant growth in Newark’s European network. Several major international carriers, including Air France, British Airways, Icelandair, and TAP Air Portugal, will operate flights to and from the airport. United Airlines, the largest carrier at Newark, will account for 67% of all European departures, with its share rising to 82% when including flights by other Star Alliance members.

Newark’s European expansion is further bolstered by the addition of four new destinations for summer 2025: Bilbao, Faro, Funchal, and Palermo. These cities, which previously had no direct U.S. connections, will now be linked to Newark. Bilbao and Palermo are especially notable as they have never had long-haul service to the U.S. before. While Newark has ceased flights to Tenerife South, the introduction of these new routes reflects the airport’s ongoing commitment to broadening its European reach.

High-Frequency Services to Europe

Newark’s European network is characterized by its frequency, with an average of 11 weekly departures per destination. The airport serves 31 European cities with at least one daily flight, while 15 destinations will have services twice a day. Additionally, several routes will feature more than two daily flights, especially during the peak summer months.

London Heathrow is the most frequently served European city from Newark, with nine daily flights. This includes seven daily services by United Airlines, all operated with Boeing 767-300ER aircraft, which are ideal for high-yield markets. Other European cities like Frankfurt, Zurich, and Athens also benefit from United’s 767-300ER services, further highlighting Newark’s focus on premium markets and high-demand routes.

Notable Q3 Flight Schedule from Newark to Europe

• London Heathrow: Nine daily flights, with United Airlines (seven daily on 767-300ER) and British Airways (two daily flights on 777-200ER and 787-10).
• Dublin: Three daily flights, operated by Aer Lingus (A321LR) and United Airlines (777-200ER, 757-200).
• Lisbon: Three daily services, with TAP Air Portugal (A321LR, A330-200/A330-900) and United Airlines (787-10).
• Porto: Three daily flights, operated by TAP Air Portugal (A321LR) and United Airlines (757-200).
• Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG): Three daily flights, with Air France (A350-900) and United Airlines (767-400ER, 777-200ER).
• Athens: Two to three daily flights, with Emirates (777-300ER) and United Airlines (767-300ER, 787-10).
• Frankfurt: Two to three daily services, operated by Lufthansa (747-8i) and United Airlines (767-300ER, 777-300ER).
• Paris Orly: Up to three daily services, operated by French bee (A350-900, A350-1000) and La Compagnie (A321neo).

Seasonal Routes to Niche Destinations

In addition to its high-frequency services to major European cities, Newark also offers seasonal flights to less-frequented destinations. LOT Polish Airlines operates weekly services to Kraków and Rzeszów, catering primarily to the Polish-American community in the Greater New York area. While these routes are seasonal and have a limited frequency, they still achieve strong load factors, with the Newark-Rzeszów route filling 92.4% of seats in the year leading up to November 2024, slightly surpassing the Newark-Kraków route.

Conclusion: Newark Continues to Lead in European Connectivity

As the summer of 2025 unfolds, Newark Liberty International Airport is firmly positioned as a top gateway for U.S.-Europe travel. With an expanding European network, increased flight frequencies, and strong demand from both leisure and business travelers, Newark continues to challenge JFK as the premier U.S. airport for European flights. United Airlines’ extensive presence at Newark, combined with the airport’s strategic location and growing list of European destinations, ensures that it will remain an essential player in the transatlantic market for years to come. As European travel demand continues to rise, Newark’s ability to meet this demand with its vast and expanding network further solidifies its role as a critical international hub.

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