Summer isn't over but American Airlines is already looking ahead to summer 2026 – and giving travelers even more ways to cross the Atlantic with a major expansion of its transatlantic routes.
On Thursday, the airline announced five additional long-haul routes to Europe, including the only nonstop from the U.S. straight to a popular Central European capital. Most of the new flights begin next May, with tickets set to go on sale Monday, Aug. 11.
Here’s a look at the new routes coming next summer:
- Miami (MIA) to Milan (MXP): Starts March 29, 2026 (year-round service)
- Philadelphia (PHL) to Prague (PRG): Starts May 21, 2026
- Philadelphia (PHL) to Budapest (BUD): Starts May 21, 2026
- Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) to Athens (ATH): Starts May 21, 2026
- Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) to Zurich (ZRH): Starts May 21, 2026
In addition to those routes to Europe, American is also extending its service between Dallas and Buenos Aires (EZE) into August 2026. That route was originally slated to end next May, but has been extended in advance of next year's World Cup in North America.
All these routes are expected to go on sale Aug. 11. And while they're all being billed as new additions, only one is truly a brand-new addition: Dallas-to-Athens next spring.
The rest, American has operated in the past. The airline last flew from Philadelphia to Prague and Budapest in the summer and early fall of 2019. Meanwhile, the Dallas to Zurich route is a real throwback: American Airlines last flew this one way back in 2007.
The new, year-round flight between Miami and Milan is also worth highlighting: While many transatlantic routes operate seasonally, American now sees enough demand between South Florida and northern Italy to offer this flight all 12 months of the year. American last flew this route in 2020, but it was an unfortunate casualty of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, the airline appears ready to give it another go.
Meanwhile, the new seasonal flight from Dallas to Athens will mark American’s first-ever nonstop flight connecting Texas and Greece. American already offers summer seasonal nonstops to Athens from four of its other hubs: Chicago-O'Hare (ORD), Charlotte (CLT), New York City (JFK), and Philadelphia.
Most of these new and returning routes will be operated by American's fleet of smaller Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners, which include lie-flat seats in business class and extra legroom (and recline) in premium economy. Unfortunately, you won't find any of these flights operated on American's newest Dreamliners – dubbed the 787-9P – with fully enclosed business class suites and spiffy new cabins.
The route between Dallas and Zurich will be operated by a Boeing 777-200 with 37 business class seats, 24 premium economy, and a whopping 212 regular economy seats.
Big Expansion in Philly
Philadelphia is already one of American's biggest international hubs, and this expansion solidifies that position.
With the addition of Prague and Budapest, American will offer 20 transatlantic destinations from Philadelphia next summer – the most of any U.S. carrier by far. And Budapest is particularly notable.
When the route relaunches, it will resume the distinction as the only nonstop flight between the U.S. and Hungary. That’s a major win for travelers looking to explore one of Europe’s most stunning (and affordable) capital cities along the Danube River.
The airline also opened its latest – and arguably greatest – Flagship Lounge and Admirals Club at the airport earlier this year. Both of these spaces drastically improve the travel experience for premium passengers and anyone with Admirals Club lounge access.
Bottom Line
American Airlines is betting big on summer travel with a slew of new international routes launching in 2026 – including the only nonstop flight from the U.S. to Budapest.
With most flights operated on long-haul Dreamliners and booking set to open Aug. 11, this is great news for travelers looking to plan next year’s Eurotrip.
Featured image courtesy of American Airlines.
