Travelers will soon have more options for transatlantic flights as **eight new airport pairs** between the United States and Canada are set to debut in **2026**. These routes mark the introduction of several entirely new connections, enhancing travel options across the Atlantic. Notably, airlines such as **Air Canada** and **Royal Jordanian** have announced their plans for these new services, which promise to connect more cities than ever before.
New Routes and Start Dates
The first new service will be operated by **Etihad Airways**, launching on **May 4, 2026**, from **Abu Dhabi** to **Charlotte**. This route will make Etihad the first Middle Eastern airline to connect to the North Carolina airport, predominantly known as a hub for American Airlines. The flight will cover **6,437 nautical miles** (approximately **11,921 kilometers**) each way, providing passengers with the opportunity for connections through Abu Dhabi, including U.S. pre-clearance at the hub.
Other significant routes include:
– **Delta Air Lines** introducing flights from **Seattle** to **Rome Fiumicino** starting on **May 6, 2026**, operating four times weekly with an **A330-900**.
– **Royal Jordanian** will commence its service from **Amman** to **Dallas/Fort Worth** on **May 10, 2026**, with four weekly flights on a **787-8**.
– **Air Canada** plans to link **Montreal** to **Catania** on **June 4, 2026**, and **Montreal** to **Palma** on **June 17, 2026**, both using the **787-8** and **A321XLR**, respectively.
These new routes will enhance the travel landscape significantly, offering passengers more choices and convenient connections.
Impact of New Services
The addition of these routes reflects a growing demand for international travel. For instance, the **Dallas/Fort Worth** to **Amman** service will become Royal Jordanian’s **seventh destination** in North America. It will be the second-longest route among the new offerings, measuring **6,114 nautical miles** (around **11,323 kilometers**). This service is expected to cater to a market that saw **545 daily round-trip passengers** to the Middle East, with **63** flying specifically to Amman.
Air Canada’s new route to **Palma de Mallorca** will be particularly noteworthy, as it represents the first scheduled service from Canada to **Spain’s Balearic Islands**. This flight will take up to **8 hours and 55 minutes**, making it the longest route operated by Air Canada’s new **A321XLR** aircraft, which will feature **182 seats**.
As these new routes take flight, they will not only connect passengers to exciting destinations but also stimulate economic activity by fostering international tourism and business travel. The upcoming schedules highlight a strategic shift towards enhancing connectivity across the Atlantic, reflecting the aviation industry’s recovery and growth in the post-pandemic era.