United Adds Seasonal Nice-Washington Nonstop Flights for Summer 2026

United Airlines has announced the comeback of its seasonal nonstop flights linking Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE) with Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) for the summer 2026 season. Launching on May 22, this service will run four times per week through the end of September, providing direct transatlantic access exclusively offered by United. Travelers from the French Riviera and surrounding areas, including Monaco, now enjoy enhanced options to the U.S. capital and seamless connections across North America.

Route Specifics and Flight Schedule

The flights operate on a reliable four-weekly cadence: Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from Washington, with returns on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays from Nice. Outbound flight UA242 departs IAD at 5:20 PM local time, arriving at NCE at 8:00 AM the next morning—a journey spanning approximately 6,790 kilometers. The return UA243 leaves NCE at 10:15 AM, landing at IAD by 1:55 PM the same day.

This schedule aligns perfectly with peak summer travel, allowing morning arrivals in Nice for a full day of Riviera exploration and afternoon returns from Washington for minimal jet lag disruption. As the only nonstop operator on this route, United holds a unique position in the market.

Aircraft and Onboard Experience

Service utilizes the Boeing 767-300, tailored for long-haul comfort with a three-class configuration:

• 30 United Polaris business suites: Fully lie-flat beds with direct aisle access, premium Therabody and Saks Fifth Avenue amenities, and chef-curated dining.
• 24 United Premium Plus seats: Extra legroom, enhanced meals, and elevated service for mid-tier luxury.
• 149 Economy seats: Including 32 Economy Plus options with additional space for longer flights.

United Polaris stands out for its focus on restful travel, featuring privacy doors, Saks Fifth Avenue bedding, and multi-course meals designed by acclaimed chefs. Premium Plus offers spacious seating with up to 6 inches more legroom than standard economy, while economy provides reliable service with complimentary snacks, beverages, and entertainment.

Boosting Connectivity for Côte d’Azur Travelers

This route builds on United’s established presence from Nice, complementing the seasonal nonstop to New York/Newark (EWR). Combined, these flights increase U.S.-bound seats from Nice by over 30% compared to 2024 levels, catering to rising demand from leisure seekers, business professionals, and Monaco residents.

From Washington Dulles, a major United hub, passengers connect effortlessly to over 130 destinations across the Americas. Key onward options include frequent flights to New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Denver, and emerging routes like Dakar, Senegal; Venice, Italy; and Rome to Denver. This hub-and-spoke model maximizes flexibility for multi-city itineraries.

Grégoire Dutoit, United’s Country Sales Manager for France, emphasized: “Our new nonstop flight enables even greater travel choice for customers in Nice and the Côte d’Azur region, with direct access to Washington D.C. and New York/Newark, plus connections to over 130 destinations across the Americas.”

Nice Airport’s Expanding Global Reach

Nice Côte d’Azur Airport’s summer 2026 schedule marks its most ambitious yet, with 130 destinations in 47 countries—eight more than 2025 and two ahead of the prior peak summer. Long-haul connections hit 15, including seven U.S. routes (now bolstered by United’s offerings) and two to Canada.

Recent additions alongside United’s service include:

• Boston (Delta Air Lines)
• Newcastle (easyJet)
• Billund (Norwegian)
• Bratislava (Wizz Air)
• Cagliari (easyJet)
• Cork (Aer Lingus)
• Funchal (easyJet)
• Gdańsk (Wizz Air)
• Hanover (Eurowings)
• Seville (Vueling)

Boston’s introduction brings U.S. direct flights to seven, underscoring Nice’s emergence as a premier long-haul gateway for the French Riviera.

Why This Route Matters for Transatlantic Travel

The Nice-Washington link addresses a key gap in direct East Coast access from southern France. Previously, travelers relied on connections via Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), where United operates daily year-round to EWR, IAD, Chicago O’Hare (ORD), and near-year-round to San Francisco (SFO). Now, Rivierans bypass Paris hassles for quicker, direct journeys.

Capacity growth reflects surging interest: summer 2025 saw the inaugural success, prompting the 2026 renewal. This fits United’s historic international expansion, adding six new destinations and nine Atlantic routes, including unique U.S. services to Nuuk (Greenland), Bilbao (Spain), Palermo (Italy), Funchal (Portugal), and Faro (Portugal).

Booking and Practical Tips

Reservations open via united.com, the United app, or by calling 01.71.23.03.35 in France. MileagePlus members earn rewards, and partnerships with Star Alliance carriers expand options. Travelers should book early for peak July-August dates, as demand for Riviera summers is high.

Practical advice:

• Best times to fly: Mid-week flights often cheaper; aim for shoulder months (May/June, September) for milder weather and lower fares.
• Visa/Entry: U.S. ESTA required for many; check France’s Schengen rules.
• Airport Access: Nice’s Trams T1/T2 connect downtown; Dulles offers Silver Line Metro from D.C.
• Luggage: Polaris/Premium Plus include extras; economy checked bags from $40.

Exploring Nice and Washington: Destination Highlights

Nice, French Riviera: Bask in Promenade des Anglais sunsets, explore Old Town markets, or day-trip to Monaco’s casinos and Èze’s hilltop villages. Summer festivals, beaches, and cuisine draw millions.

Washington D.C.: Iconic monuments (Lincoln Memorial, Capitol), Smithsonian museums (free entry), and vibrant neighborhoods like Georgetown. Cherry blossoms peak in spring, but summer offers festivals and outdoor events.

Direct flights enable efficient round-trips: arrive rested, maximize sightseeing, return refreshed.

United’s Broader Network from France

Beyond Nice, United’s Paris CDG hub provides daily nonstops to EWR, IAD, ORD, and SFO—nearly year-round for the latter. Seasonal Nice-EWR pairs with IAD for dual East Coast gateways. Interactive route maps on united.com showcase full options.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)