Often considered an underrated destination, Italy‘s Puglia on the southern coast boasts beautiful views of the Adriatic sea, centuries-old farmland, and medieval architecture. And now, New Yorkers will be able to fly directly there with the first nonstop flight between NYC’s JFK to Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport (BRI), in Bari’s capital, from NEOS Airlines this summer. In fact, it’s the first direct flight to Puglia from the U.S.!
Flights from NYC to Puglia
Officially launching June 3rd, the seasonal route will be available through October 15th. Flights will depart JFK every Tuesday at 4 pm to arrive at Puglia’s BRI at 8 am the following morning. From BRI, passengers can take a train that will bring them right into the heart of Bari.
“These flights are a response to our belief that the United States is one of the most promising tourism sources for Puglia,” says Aldo Patruno, director of the Puglia Region’s Tourism Department, “characterized by high-spending visitors and a burgeoning interest in Puglia’s distinctive history, culture, traditions, food and wine.”
NEOS Airlines already services other Italian cities, like Milan and Palermo, from NYC’s JFK. “Thanks to this new Puglia route, NEOS will have a daily flight from North America to Italy with four frequencies to Milan, two to Palermo and now one to Bari,” echoes Carlo Stradiotti, CEO of NEOS, “significantly increasing leisure and business travel between the two countries.”
Antonio Maria Vasile, President of Aeroporti di Puglia, is proud to see the global expansion of Puglia’s appeal to the rest of the world. “These flights do not arrive by chance: we were determined to ensure that we would introduce a further concrete step towards a new phase of international growth,” he said.
What to do in Puglia
NEOS recommends spending your time in Bari by strolling through the Old Town, admiring Swabian Castle, and walking alongside the sea before filling up on a regional specialty, panzerotti, a fried pastry with mozzarella and tomato.
You can book your nonstop flight from NYC to Bari on the NEOS website.