Flights between Newark Liberty International Airport and Lajes Airport will begin on 9 June 2027, operating three times a week aboard a Boeing 737 MAX 8. United says it will be the only US airline offering a nonstop service between the United States and Terceira.

The new route is particularly significant for an island with strong historical and family ties to North America, while also opening Terceira to more US visitors without needing to connect through Ponta Delgada, Lisbon, or another airport.

It joins United’s existing Portuguese network as the airline continues to increase its presence in the country.

Part of a major 2027 expansion

Terceira is one of 10 new international destinations announced by United for 2027, in what the airline describes as the largest international expansion in its history.

New services will also connect the US with destinations including Ibiza, Valencia, Marseille, Luxembourg, Ljubljana, Toulouse and two cities in Sicily and Sardinia, as well as Okinawa in Japan.

Portugal is becoming an increasingly important part of United’s transatlantic network. The airline already serves destinations including Lisbon, Porto, Faro and Ponta Delgada, and says the addition of Terceira will give it more Portuguese destinations than any other US carrier.

A boost for Terceira

The Regional Government of the Azores has welcomed the announcement, pointing to the potential benefits not only for tourism but also for residents and the large Azorean diaspora in North America.

Regional Vice-President Artur Lima described the route as a recognition of the strategic importance of Lajes Airport and said that improved access could benefit accommodation, restaurants, tourism businesses, and transport across Terceira and the other islands of the Central Group.

There could also be benefits reaching beyond passenger travel. The Regional Government highlighted the aircraft’s cargo capacity as an opportunity to get Azorean products into the North American market more directly.

The seasonal service is currently expected to run until 5 September 2027, giving Terceira a direct New York-area connection through the height of the summer season.

For an island that has long-standing connections with North America but far fewer international services than neighbouring São Miguel, the arrival of United gives Terceira a significant new link to one of its most important overseas markets.