SWISS International Air Lines Expands Global Network in 2026: New Routes to the US, Croatia, France, and More

Published on September 5, 2025

SWISS International Air Lines is set to strengthen its global network with a series of exciting new routes starting in 2026. The airline is expanding its offerings to a variety of destinations, including the United States, Croatia, France, Germany, and Serbia. This expansion is part of SWISS’s strategy to increase its connectivity across Europe and beyond, catering to the growing demand for both leisure and business travel. The new routes will not only enhance SWISS’s presence in key markets but also provide passengers with more choices and flexibility when traveling to these regions.

With new routes, an expanded fleet, and more frequent services, 2026 looks set to be an exciting year for SWISS. Here’s a closer look at the airline’s planned route expansions and the aircraft that will be operating these services.

Zurich to Boston: First Long-Haul Destination for the Airbus A350

One of the most highly anticipated new routes for SWISS is the launch of direct flights from Zurich (ZRH) to Boston (BOS) starting January 1, 2026. This route will be the first long-haul destination for SWISS’s new Airbus A350-900 aircraft, marking a significant milestone for the airline.

The Airbus A350 is known for its fuel efficiency, quieter engines, and enhanced passenger comfort, making it an ideal choice for long-haul travel. On this route, the aircraft will feature the airline’s “SWISS Senses” cabin, which offers a modern and luxurious in-flight experience with additional seating space, premium entertainment options, and better cabin air quality.

The addition of Boston to the SWISS network further strengthens the airline’s connections to North America. Boston, a major hub for both business and leisure travel, will benefit from the airline’s high-quality services and direct flight options to Zurich, a central gateway to Europe.

Zurich to Dubrovnik: Connecting to Croatia’s Stunning Coastline

SWISS is also expanding its European network with a new seasonal service between Zurich and Dubrovnik, Croatia. Starting on April 17, 2025, and continuing into 2026, this route will offer up to five weekly flights, catering to travelers seeking to explore the picturesque coastal city of Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning medieval architecture and vibrant cultural scene.

Dubrovnik is a popular tourist destination, especially during the summer months, attracting visitors from around the world. With this new route, SWISS will make it easier for travelers to access Croatia’s beautiful Adriatic coastline, while also providing seamless connections to other European destinations from Zurich.

Zurich to Montpellier: New French Connection

In another expansion of its European network, SWISS will begin operating flights between Zurich and Montpellier, France, starting March 30, 2025. This new service will operate regularly during the summer season and will be a great option for travelers looking to explore the beautiful region of Occitanie, known for its Mediterranean climate, historic sites, and vibrant culture.

Montpellier is an important cultural and educational center in southern France, and with direct flights from Zurich, SWISS is offering a convenient connection to this charming city. Whether for business or leisure, this route will help facilitate travel between Switzerland and southern France.

Zurich to Heringsdorf: A New Seaside Escape in Germany

For those looking to visit Germany’s Baltic Sea region, SWISS is adding a seasonal service between Zurich and Heringsdorf, located on the island of Usedom. Starting in the summer of 2025 and continuing into 2026, this new route will offer travelers a chance to explore the tranquil beaches and historic seaside resorts of this lesser-known German destination.

Heringsdorf is part of the popular Baltic Sea spa region, known for its natural beauty and relaxing atmosphere. The new Zurich-Heringsdorf route will provide Swiss travelers with easy access to this scenic getaway, offering a refreshing alternative to the more crowded tourist destinations in Europe.

Zurich to Niš: Connecting Switzerland and Serbia

SWISS is also expanding its presence in the Balkans with a new seasonal service to Niš, Serbia, starting in the summer of 2025 and continuing into 2026. Niš, one of the oldest cities in Europe, is known for its rich history and vibrant cultural heritage. It is an important gateway to both Serbia and the broader Balkans region.

With this new route, SWISS will provide a direct connection between Switzerland and Serbia, facilitating both tourism and business travel to this historic destination. Niš is an increasingly popular spot for travelers seeking to explore the history and culture of Serbia, and this new service will make it more accessible than ever for Swiss and European travelers.

Fleet Expansion: The Arrival of the Airbus A350-900

In addition to these exciting new routes, SWISS is also expanding its fleet with the introduction of the Airbus A350-900, which will be used on long-haul flights starting in 2026. This new aircraft, known for its fuel efficiency and quieter engines, will operate on select routes, including the Zurich-Boston service, marking a significant step forward in the airline’s long-haul offering.

The A350-900 is equipped with the latest cabin technology, including improved air quality, larger windows, and more spacious seating arrangements, providing passengers with a more comfortable flying experience. The introduction of this aircraft will enhance SWISS’s commitment to providing high-quality service and a superior travel experience to its customers.

Increased Frequencies and Regional Expansions

In addition to these new routes, SWISS is also increasing frequencies on several existing popular routes. The airline will offer more flights to destinations such as Krakow, Copenhagen, and Manchester from Zurich, catering to the growing demand for both business and leisure travel in these markets.

Furthermore, SWISS is enhancing its services from Geneva, with new daily flights to Porto and increased connectivity to several Scandinavian cities. These additions will help strengthen the airline’s presence in the European market and provide passengers with more travel options.

Looking Ahead to 2026

SWISS’s expansion plans for 2026 are an exciting development for the airline and its passengers. With new routes to the United States, Croatia, France, Germany, and Serbia, as well as the introduction of the Airbus A350-900, SWISS is positioning itself as a key player in the global aviation market. The airline’s focus on expanding its network and enhancing its fleet ensures that travelers can enjoy a comfortable and seamless flying experience to some of the world’s most sought-after destinations.

Whether traveling for business, leisure, or cultural exploration, SWISS’s 2026 route expansion provides more opportunities than ever to explore the world with one of Europe’s leading airlines.