San Francisco International Airport is set to strengthen its transatlantic connections in 2026, with a notable expansion in nonstop service to Europe. Travelers can look forward to a diverse lineup of 16 airlines offering direct flights across the continent, reflecting growing demand and enhanced partnerships between San Francisco and key European cities. This development promises greater convenience and options for both business and leisure passengers. Here is the full list of airlines launching or continuing nonstop routes between San Francisco and Europe in 2026.
San Francisco Emerges as a Major Gateway to Europe with Expanded Nonstop Service
San Francisco has solidified its position as a premier transatlantic hub, with a remarkable expansion in nonstop flights connecting the city directly to key European capitals. The Bay Area’s unparalleled tech-driven economy and diverse cultural ties have driven increased demand, prompting airlines to launch new routes and increase frequencies. Travelers can now enjoy seamless access to Europe’s major business and leisure destinations without layovers, enhancing convenience and reducing travel time.
Representing a significant boost in connectivity, the expanded service roster includes a diverse array of carriers-from legacy airlines to innovative budget operators-all offering nonstop flights to cities such as London, Paris, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, and beyond. This competitive landscape not only provides travelers with greater choice but also introduces more flexible pricing and improved in-flight services. Below is a snapshot of key route expansions kicking off in 2026:
| Airline | European Destination | Frequency (Weekly) |
|---|---|---|
| British Airways | London Heathrow | 14 |
| Lufthansa | Frankfurt | 10 |
| KLM | Amsterdam | 7 |
| Air France | Paris Charles de Gaulle | 9 |
| Norwegian Air Shuttle | Oslo | 5 |
Key Airlines Connecting San Francisco to European Destinations in 2026
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is set to solidify its status as a major transatlantic hub in 2026 with an impressive lineup of airlines offering nonstop flights to Europe. Among the front-runners, United Airlines continues to dominate with extensive connections to key cities like London, Frankfurt, and Paris. Meanwhile, British Airways and Lufthansa maintain strong presences, ensuring travelers can access vibrant urban centers with ease and frequency. These carriers are complemented by growing operations from European giants such as Air France and Finnair, expanding options for seamless journeys across the Atlantic.
New entrants and niche operators are also diversifying the landscape, with Norwegian Air Shuttle targeting budget-conscious flyers and Iberia re-establishing its foothold through Madrid. Collectively, these 16 airlines support a robust network that connects San Francisco to almost every major European capital and hub, catering to business travelers, tourists, and expatriates alike.
- United Airlines
- British Airways
- Lufthansa
- Air France
- Finnair
- Iberia
- Norwegian Air Shuttle
- Swiss International Air Lines
- Alitalia
- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
- Turkish Airlines
- WOW Air (resuming)
- Aer Lingus
- LOT Polish Airlines
- Vueling
- EasyJet
| Airline | Main European Hubs | Flight Frequency (Weekly) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United Airlines | London, Frankfurt | 21 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| British Airways | London Heathrow | 14 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lufthansa | Frankfurt, Munich |
| Airline | Main European Hubs | Flight Frequency (Weekly) | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United Airlines | London, Frankfurt | 21 | |||||||||||
| British Airways | London Heathrow | 14 | |||||||||||
| Lufthansa | Frankfurt, Munich | 17 | |||||||||||
| Air France | Paris Charles de Gaulle | 12 | |||||||||||
| Finnair | Helsinki | 7 | |||||||||||
| Iberia | Madrid | 5 | |||||||||||
| Norwegian Air Shuttle | Oslo, London Gatwick | 6 | |||||||||||
| Swiss International Air Lines | Zurich | 9 | |||||||||||
| Alitalia | Rome Fiumicino | 4 | |||||||||||
| KLM Royal Dutch Airlines | Amsterdam Schiphol | 11 | |||||||||||
| Turkish Airlines | Istanbul | 8 | |||||||||||
| WOW Air (resuming) | Reykjavik | 3 | |||||||||||
| Aer Lingus | Dublin | 5 | |||||||||||
| LOT Polish Airlines |
Travel Tips and Recommendations for Booking Your Transatlantic Flight from San FranciscoBooking a transatlantic flight from San Francisco requires more than just picking the cheapest ticket. To maximize comfort and convenience, consider flights that offer flexible cancellation policies and generous seat selection options. Many airlines now provide enhanced in-flight amenities such as increased legroom, onboard Wi-Fi, and curated meal services – all worth checking when booking your nonstop journey. Early booking is advisable, especially as more airlines expand their offerings for 2026, increasing competition but also making the most sought-after routes fill up quickly. When planning your trip, use these quick tips to make the most of your selection:
The Way ForwardAs Europe continues to captivate travelers with its rich history, diverse cultures, and vibrant cities, San Francisco’s expanding roster of nonstop flights positions the city as a key gateway for transatlantic travel in 2026. With 16 airlines offering direct connections to Europe, passengers can look forward to increased convenience, competitive fares, and greater flexibility. This growth not only reflects the strengthening ties between the West Coast and Europe but also signals a promising outlook for the aviation industry as global travel rebounds. Stay tuned to Simple Flying for ongoing updates on flight routes and airline developments shaping the future of air travel. |
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