United Airlines (NASDAQ:UAL) on Monday said it is adding flights to Iceland, Croatia and Greece for the summer in hopes that relaxed entry requirements will spur demand for popular tourist destinations.
Most of continental Europe remains off-limits for most U.S. citizens, and airline executives last week were pessimistic that would change in time for summer vacations.
But United is picking a few European destinations that have already loosened travel restrictions or are expected to in the coming weeks.
The carrier is adding a Chicago-Reykjavik flight from July 1 through Oct. 3 after Iceland last month announced it would allow tourists from outside Europe to visit, without a quarantine, if they can show proof of a Covid-19 vaccine.
After that announcement, Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL) said it would resume Iceland service from New York City and Minneapolis, and would add a flight to Boston. United had previously announced service from Newark to Iceland that will run from June 3 through Oct. 29.
United will also add service from Newark to Dubrovnik, Croatia three times a week from July 8 through Oct. 3. That country allows in visitors who can show proof of a negative Covid-19 test or proof of vaccination.
Greece last month said it would open its borders in mid-May to vaccinated tourists or those who show a recent negative Covid test result, through Reuters reported last week that shift could happen as early as this week.
United said it plans to add a Washington Dulles-to-Athens flight that will operate July 1 through Oct. 3, in addition to its Newark-Athens service, which it expects to resume on June. 3.
UAL shares dropped 81 cents, or 1.5%, early Monday to $55.06.
