United Airlines Reconnects Capitals: Washington D.C.–Nice Nonstop Returns for Summer

United Airlines is once again expanding transatlantic connectivity in 2026 by resuming its direct seasonal service between Washington D.C. and Nice—a route that first took flight in 2025 to strong interest from American travellers keen to access the Côte d’Azur without layovers.

From May 21 to September 22, 2026, the airline will operate four weekly nonstop flights between Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) and Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE), offering an approximate nine-hour journey across the Atlantic. United remains the only carrier to provide this direct seasonal link between the U.S. capital region and the shores of the French Riviera.

Photo by William Chen: https://www.pexels.com/photo/united-airline-plane-being-towed-on-runway-31847555/

A New Chapter in Transatlantic Travel

This route is part of United’s broader strategic push to deepen its European network for summer travel. In addition to the Nice service, the airline is rolling out new nonstop connections from U.S. gateways to destinations across Europe—including seasonal links to cities in Croatia, Italy, Spain, and Scotland—positioning itself as one of the most international U.S. carriers for the 2026 season.

The seasonal Nice flights build on the success of last year’s inaugural service, which expanded the number of seats available from the South of France to the U.S. by more than 30 %, complementing existing nonstop seasonal service from Nice to New York/Newark.

Comfort Above the Clouds

United operates the route using Boeing 767-300 aircraft, configured with a mix of premium and economy cabins. The flight includes:

Polaris business class suites with direct aisle access and fully flat beds, designed for long-haul comfort.
United Premium Plus seats offering extra space and enhanced amenities.
Economy and Economy Plus seating with increased legroom.

This variety of cabin options allows both leisure travellers seeking a refined gateway to the Mediterranean and business flyers looking for efficiency without compromising comfort. With Washington Dulles serving as a major U.S. hub, travellers from across the country can connect seamlessly onto the direct service to the French Riviera.

Photo by Pascal Borener: https://www.pexels.com/photo/white-united-airlines-plane-1089306/

French Riviera: More Accessible Than Ever

Nice, long a jewel of the Côte d’Azur with its sun-soaked promenades, pastel façades, and azure waters, becomes even more accessible to Americans seeking a mix of culture, seaside leisure, and Provençal gastronomy. Direct flights allow visitors to bypass the usual European transfers, turning the journey into part of the pleasure of travel itself.

The renewed Washington-Nice service also reflects broader holiday travel trends: U.S. carriers are increasingly offering direct seasonal flights to iconic European summer destinations, responding to strong demand for international leisure travel in the post-pandemic era while reinforcing transatlantic ties.

Planning Your Escape

For travellers planning a Mediterranean escape in 2026, this seasonal service presents an opportunity to combine the historic and cultural richness of Nice with the political and museum-laden allure of Washington D.C., all with the convenience of nonstop transatlantic travel. With connections across United’s U.S. network, the Côte d’Azur is now more within reach than ever.

Header Photo Credit: Pascal Borener https://www.pexels.com/photo/white-united-airlines-plane-1089306/

About the Author

Geraldine Provost is a Paris-based freelance writer with a diverse portfolio of blog contributions covering travel, gastronomy, entertainment, and more. She specializes in sharing her experiences in luxurious hotels and has a keen interest in the art-de-vivre à la française. When she is not writing, she can often be found enjoying the sun of the southern region of France.