United Airlines to Increase Boeing 757 Flights to Europe in Summer 2026

United Airlines has announced plans to increase its Boeing 757 flights to Europe in the peak summer of 2026, surpassing its previous peak in 2017. The decision was revealed during a recent announcement of the airline’s new Washington Dulles to Keflavik service, which will directly compete with Icelandair. This announcement comes after the discontinuation of PLAY’s flights to Dulles last year.

The 757s used by United were initially acquired from Continental and have an average age of 28. 7 years, according to ch-aviation. These 757-200s have 176 seats and are fully paid off, making them a more cost-effective option compared to newer alternatives such as the incoming Airbus A321XLRs. This helps to offset the higher fuel consumption and maintenance requirements. In addition, United has recently doubled its 737 MAX 8 routes to Europe.

United’s Most 757 Flights to Europe Since 2017

Data from examining the carrier’s schedule submission to Cirium Diio shows that in July since 2012, United has had the most 757 flights to Europe, with the exception of 2020 when the pandemic halted all transatlantic flights for the airline. For next July, United has planned 558 one-way flights, which is equivalent to 18 daily departures. This is a 6% increase from the previous year and a significant 38% increase from the pre-pandemic level in July 2019. This means that the aging 757 will operate 17% of United’s European services, although these plans are subject to change.

Routes for United’s 757 Flights in July 2026

United has planned 16 airport pairs for its 757 flights in peak summer next year, one more than in 2025. The only addition is the Washington Dulles to Keflavik route, while all other routes remain the same. This includes United’s two new routes from Newark, where the airline has a 72% market share, to Southern Europe. Service to Faro began in May 2025, followed by Bilbao in the following month.

The Washington Dulles to Keflavik route is set to commence on May 22, 2026, marking the return of two operators on this route for the first time since PLAY ceased operations in 2024. Additionally, with Icelandair now using the 737 MAX 8/MAX 9, it will also be the first time the airline has used the 757 since 2022. This will provide more options for passengers connecting from across the US to reach the popular destination of Iceland.

Scheduled 757 Flights in July 2026*

Route**

Two daily

Newark to Edinburgh and Porto; Washington Dulles to Dublin

Daily

Chicago O’Hare to Edinburgh, Keflavik, and Shannon;