United adds summer flights to Iceland, Greece and Croatia in hopes vaccinations spur travel rebound

United on Monday said it is adding flights to Iceland, Croatia and Greece for the summer in hopes that relaxed entry requirements will spur demand for popular tourist destinations. Much of continental Europe remains off-limits for most US citizens, and airline executives last week were pessimistic that would change in time for summer vacations. But United is picking a few European destinations that have already loosened travel restrictions or are expected to in the coming weeks. “It’s been creating a pop in searches,” said Patrick Quayle, United’s vice president of international network and alliances. The carrier is adding a Chicago-Reykjavik flight from July 1 through Oct. 3 after Iceland last month announced it would allow tourists from outside Europe to visit, without a quarantine, if they can show proof of a Covid-19 vaccine. After the announcement from Iceland, Delta said it would resume service to Reykjavik from New York City and Minneapolis, and would add a flight from Boston. United had previously announced service from Newark, New Jersey, to Iceland that will run from June 3 through Oct. 29. United will also add service from Newark to Dubrovnik, Croatia, three times a week from July 8 through Oct. 3. That country allows in visitors who can show proof of a negative Covid-19 test or proof of vaccination.<br/>