It is the first time the airline has touched down at Glasgow Airport since October 2019.
18:18, 09 May 2026Updated 18:26, 09 May 2026
United Airlines has returned to Glasgow Airport(Image: United Airlines)
A major US airline has officially returned to Glasgow after a seven year break. United Airlines has launched daily direct flights linking Scotland’s largest city with New York, with the inaugural flight touching down at Glasgow Airport today (Saturday, May 9).
The airline previously operated a service between the cities until October 2019 and it is the first scheduled service by a US airline between Glasgow and the North American country since 2019.
United already operates a year-round flight between Edinburgh and New York as well as an almost year-round service linking the Scottish capital and Washington D.C
There is also a daily seasonal services between Edinburgh and Chicago O’Hare. The Glasgow flight will be operated by a Boeing 737 Max 8, until October 24 this year.
Flights will depart Glasgow at 2pm and arrive at Newark Airport 4.35pm.
The return departs Newark at 10.15pm and arrives back in Glasgow at 10.10am
Karolien De Hertogh, United Airlines ‘ director of sales UK and Ireland, said: “We are excited to return to Glasgow with the launch of our service to Newark/New York, further underlining the importance of Scotland within United’s global route network.
“With more seats and flights from Scotland to the United States than any other airline, our customers in Scotland can enjoy even greater travel choice and the possibility to connect seamlessly via our U.S. hubs to over 220 onward destinations across the Americas, whilst travellers from the U.S. can more easily fly to Glasgow and enjoy the city’s world-class museums, iconic architecture, historic pubs, parks and gardens, or travel beyond the city and explore the greater Highlands region.”
Kam Jandu, CEO, AGS Airports, added: ” We are delighted to welcome the return of the United Airlines direct service between Glasgow and New York, restoring one of our most popular long-haul routes.
“The route has always been in strong demand, previously carrying significant passenger numbers as well as key Scottish exports such as whisky and seafood. Passengers can also enjoy access to the extensive destination across North America via Newark Airport thereby making onward connectivity much easier than before.
“This new service is a significant boost for connectivity, providing a vital link for travellers from the west coast of Scotland, whilst supporting inbound tourism, bringing more visitors to experience Scotland’s world-renowned attractions, including golf, whisky and spectacular landscapes.
“This achievement reflects the continued efforts of our team and strong collaboration with partners across the Glasgow City Region, as we remain focused on enhancing Glasgow’s network connectivity alongside delivering a best-in-class passenger experience as part of our £350 million investment programme.”