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United’s first direct NewarkBilbao flight arrives early

A Basque music-and-dance welcome at Loiu Airport highlighted the route’s potential to boost tourism and economic ties.

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Overview

  • This flight marks the first transatlantic service to Bilbao Airport.
  • The NewarkBilbao flight landed at Loiu Airport at 10:10 a.m., arriving 35 minutes ahead of schedule after a 6 hour, 44 minute crossing.
  • A gate celebration featured balloons, red and yellow garlands, U.S. and Spanish flags, speeches, ribbon cutting and dances to ‘La Macarena’ and ‘Aserejé.’
  • Flight attendants greeted passengers in Basque with “Ongi etorri eta eskerrik asko” after the pilot charted a scenic approach over Gernika and Derio.
  • United will operate three weekly NewarkBilbao rotations through September 23 with officials eyeing a permanent year-round connection.