The air link between Olbia, in northeastern Sardinia, and New York will expand in 2027, with United Airlines scheduled to operate three flights a week between May 27 and September 22. The new service to Newark will join Delta Air Lines’ existing four weekly flights, bringing the combined schedule to daily service during the season.
Olbia airport operator Geasar said the expansion reflects interest in Sardinia. Between May and October in the recently completed season, 32,000 passengers used the route, with an average load factor of 80%. Travelers included both US visitors heading to the Costa Smeralda and Sardinians traveling to New York.
The Cipnes research center has highlighted the US market’s potential beyond tourism, saying the route could support economic and financial ties, exports from Sardinian industry, and partnerships with international operators and investors. Its analysis found 141,000 tourist stays by US visitors across 26 municipalities in northeastern Sardinia in 2024, the highest figure for any area of the island, according to the center.
Regional figures also point to rising demand: tourism from the United States to Sardinia grew by 80% over the past two years, while growth in Gallura exceeded 93%, the region said. The US is now Sardinia’s ninth-largest tourism market and its largest outside Europe.
Sources: Il Sole 24 Ore Italia.