Slovenia is getting a long-awaited direct air link with the United States. United Airlines will launch nonstop flights between New York/Newark and Ljubljana in May 2027, connecting Slovenia directly with the US four times a week.
For travellers between Slovenia and the United States, one of the biggest aviation announcements in decades has finally arrived. United Airlines will launch direct flights between Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (LJU) on 12 May 2027.
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The new service will operate four times per week with a Boeing 767-400ER, bringing regular wide-body transatlantic flights back to Ljubljana. The aircraft used on the route is configured with 231 seats.
Tickets for the new connection are already available through United Airlines.
Ljubljana–New York direct flights: key information
The new route at a glance:
Launch date: 12 May 2027
Route: Ljubljana (LJU) – New York/Newark (EWR)
Airline: United Airlines
Frequency: four flights per week
Aircraft: Boeing 767-400ER
Capacity: 231 passengers
Type: nonstop transatlantic service
According to Ljubljana Airport, departures from Ljubljana are planned for Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. The timetable has been designed to connect with United’s extensive network at Newark, giving passengers from Slovenia access to onward flights throughout the United States and Canada.
Check the latest flight information directly with Ljubljana Airport / Fraport Slovenia.
New York – but the flight actually lands at Newark
Although the route will naturally be promoted as Ljubljana–New York, United will fly to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in New Jersey rather than JFK.
Newark is one of the main airports serving the New York metropolitan area and, importantly, one of United Airlines’ largest hubs.
From Newark Airport, passengers can continue towards Manhattan using the airport’s AirTrain connection and NJ Transit or Amtrak rail services.
Travellers can find current transport information on the official Newark Airport public transport page.
A historic connection for Slovenia
The announcement represents much more than another destination on Ljubljana Airport’s departure board.
According to the Slovenian government, the new service will restore a direct air connection between Slovenia and the United States after nearly four decades. United will also be entering the Slovenian market with one of the most important new routes in Ljubljana Airport’s recent history.
Fraport Slovenia describes the connection as a historic milestone for Ljubljana Airport and Slovenia’s international connectivity. Unlike earlier transatlantic services connected with former Yugoslavia, the new United route will operate as a standalone nonstop service between Slovenia and the United States.
Why the new flight matters for Slovenian tourism
The United States is already one of Slovenia’s most important long-haul tourism markets.
According to the Slovenian Tourist Board, more than 200,000 American guests visited Slovenia in 2025, generating almost 449,000 overnight stays. Both arrivals and overnight stays were around 11% higher than in the previous year.
The new nonstop flight removes one of the biggest obstacles for American travellers: the need to connect through airports such as Frankfurt, Munich, Zürich, Paris or Amsterdam.
Instead, travellers will be able to board in the New York area and arrive directly in Slovenia the following morning.
For Slovenia, that could mean easier access for leisure travellers, business visitors, the Slovenian diaspora and high-spending international guests, while also making the country more competitive as a standalone European destination.
A gateway beyond New York
The importance of Newark is not limited to New York City.
United operates a major hub there, meaning passengers departing Ljubljana will be able to connect onwards to cities across the United States and Canada. Ljubljana Airport says the schedule is specifically designed to provide convenient onward connections.
This could make the new service particularly valuable for Slovenian travellers heading beyond New York to destinations such as the West Coast, Florida, New England or other parts of North America.
Travelling from Slovenia to the USA: remember ESTA
Slovenian citizens travelling to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program generally need an approved ESTA – Electronic System for Travel Authorization before boarding, unless travelling with an appropriate US visa.
US Customs and Border Protection recommends applying for ESTA when travel is booked.
Use only the official US government ESTA website and avoid unofficial websites charging unnecessary additional fees.
Flying from New York to Slovenia? Start with Ljubljana
For American travellers, the new connection also makes Slovenia one of Europe’s easiest compact destinations to explore.
Start with our 48 Hours in Ljubljana itinerary, covering Ljubljana Castle, the Central Market, Dragon Bridge, the Ljubljanica riverside and Tivoli Park. Read The Slovenia’s 48 Hours in Ljubljana guide
From Ljubljana, Lake Bled, Postojna Cave, Piran, the Soča Valley and the Julian Alps are all within relatively easy reach. See our TOP 10 must-see Slovenia attractions before planning your trip.
Ljubljana and New York are finally one flight apart
From 12 May 2027, travelling between Slovenia and New York will become considerably simpler.
No Frankfurt. No Munich. No connecting airport.
Just Newark → Ljubljana.
For a small country in the heart of Europe, it is a very big connection.
