United Airlines’ announcement of new non-stop routes from Newark (New York) to Ibiza and Valencia from summer 2027 marks an exciting milestone for the Spanish MICE industry and for international event planners looking to bring American groups to Spain.
At maximice events group, we are a leading receptive DMC for US clients, delivering corporate events, meetings and incentive programmes across Spain every year. With dedicated local offices and experienced Project Managers based in both Ibiza and Valencia, we are very excited about this announcement, which will make these destinations even more accessible for American event planners and attendees.
United Airlines will launch direct flights between Newark (New York) and Ibiza on 31 May 2027 with four weekly frequencies, while the Newark-Valencia route will begin on 2 June 2027 with three weekly services. Both routes will operate on the airline’s new Airbus A321XLR aircraft.
Why this matters for the MICE Industry
The United States continues to be one of the most important source markets for meetings, incentive travel and corporate events in Europe. Direct air access reduces travel time, simplifies logistics and significantly enhances the attractiveness of destinations for international events.
Beyond improved accessibility, these flights showcase one of Spain’s greatest strengths: a diverse portfolio of destinations, each offering a unique setting for corporate events.
Ibiza: One of the top luxury Incentive destinations in the world
Valencia remains one of Europe’s best value MICE destinations. As Spain’s third largest city, it combines excellent infrastructure, Mediterranean lifestyle, outstanding gastronomy and competitive pricing, yet remains surprisingly under the radar for many international planners.
Valencia: One of Europe’s most exciting and undiscovered MICE cities
Spain’s third largest city, is one of the Mediterranean’s best-kept secrets. Offering excellent value for money, outstanding event infrastructure, authentic culture and a relaxed coastal lifestyle, it is rapidly gaining recognition as a smart alternative to more established European meeting destinations.
These new direct flights represent another important step in strengthening Spain’s position as a leading destination for MICE travel. Combined with existing direct connections to destinations including Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga, Mallorca, Bilbao and Santiago de Compostela, the addition of Ibiza and Valencia further enhances accessibility for US travellers and event planners.
For event planners, it means even more choice. For destinations like Ibiza and Valencia, it means greater visibility in the US market. And for us, it means welcoming even more American groups to discover some of Spain’s most exciting event destinations.
