American Airlines is already gearing up for summer 2026 plans, even if you’re still deciding your Labor Day weekend getaway. The airline announced it’s adding some long-haul flights, but there’s a twist: only one of the six routes is truly new.
New Route to Athens
Starting May 21, 2026, American will launch a daily flight from Dallas-Fort Worth to Athens, Greece. It’s the airline’s only new transatlantic route, using a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. After this launch, American will operate flights to Athens from five U.S. cities—more than any other U.S. airline.
The Dallas-Fort Worth hub is American’s largest, so this new direct link could attract more travelers. Ongoing interest in Greece suggests the seats will fill up quickly, with 234 available on each flight.
Resuming Favorite Destinations
Five other routes will return, all previously operated by American:
- DFW to Buenos Aires (EZE): May 21 to Aug. 3
- DFW to Zurich (ZRH): May 21 to Aug. 4
- Miami to Milan (MXP): Year-round starting March 29
- Philadelphia to Budapest (BUD): Summer service from May 21
- Philadelphia to Prague (PRG): Summer service from May 21
What’s Driving the Choices?
These routes cater to travelers, particularly soccer fans heading to the FIFA World Cup, which will feature matches in Dallas. Brian Znotins, American’s network chief, emphasizes market demand over past schedules. He notes that searches on their website show growing interest in destinations like Prague and Budapest.
The airline will have the sole U.S. service to Budapest, filling a gap left by LOT Polish Airlines, which exited in 2022.
Expanding Premium Services
American is also enhancing its transpacific services. Flights from Dallas and Los Angeles to Tokyo will switch to more premium aircraft, increasing seating options by over 45%. While this doesn’t include their newest premium-heavy models, it points to a growing focus on comfortable travel experiences.
Looking Ahead
Overall, these expansions reflect a careful strategy from American Airlines. While they aren’t venturing into more obscure territories, this move may satisfy many travelers seeking nonstop options, especially with the convenience of connecting in Philadelphia rather than busier European hubs.
Znotins hints at more significant changes on the horizon with the arrival of Airbus A321XLR jets in 2027. This could lead to exciting new routes in the future.
The summer of 2026 might not be groundbreaking for American, but it’s a step toward catering to a diverse range of travel needs. Those planning future trips might find a few new routes to explore.
