Pack your sunscreen and brush up on your Italian—because getting to Puglia just got a lot easier. Neos Airlines has officially launched the first-ever nonstop flight from the U.S. to Bari, Italy. If you’ve ever tried to get to this dreamy corner of southern Italy, you know it usually involves at least one connection, a long layover, and maybe a questionable sandwich somewhere en route. But now? It’s just wheels up in New York, wheels down in Bari. Ciao, stress.
What is Neos Airlines?
If you’ve never heard of Neos, you’re not alone—unless you’re a regular on the Milan-to-Maldives route. This Italian leisure airline has been quietly whisking travellers to beachy destinations since 2001. It already flies from JFK to Milan and Palermo, and it’s the kind of carrier that knows its crowd: vacationers, sun-seekers, and gelato-chasers. Neos is actually part of the Alpitour Group, one of Italy’s biggest travel companies. Think of it as Italy’s chic, slightly under-the-radar cousin to the big-name airlines—less fuss, more flair, and often a better tan.
The New Nonstop Route
The new route is a game-changer: a nonstop service from New York’s JFK to Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport (yes, that’s the official name—named after Pope John Paul II) is currently running weekly. Flights leave New York on Wednesdays and land in Bari Thursday morning. Just in time for your first espresso and cornetto. Heading back, you’ll fly out Thursday afternoon and be back in the Big Apple by early evening. That’s right: you can go from orecchiette in the old town to pizza in Brooklyn in under nine hours. The bad news is that it is only a seasonal line. The good news – that season is summer, the best time to actually enjoy Italy.
The Premium Class
If you’re worried about comfort, let’s be honest—nine hours is a long time to sit in just any seat. So you’ll be glad to know Neos has a premium class setup that’s genuinely comfortable. Think adjustable seats, Italian wine, and a menu that doesn’t pretend reheated pasta is fine dining. The cabin is sleek, with just enough retro Italian cool to feel like you’ve stepped into a Fellini film — only with Wi-Fi and noise-cancelling headphones. You’ll land refreshed (if you’ve paced yourself on the wine) and ready to dive headfirst into the turquoise waters of Polignano a Mare.
Other Articles You’ll Like:
Cathay Pacific’s New Aria Suite
FAQs
Q: When was NEOS Airlines established?
A: Neos Airlines was established on 21 June, 2001.
Q: Which Italian cities does Neos Airlines fly to from JFK?
A: From JFK, Neos flies to three Italian cities: Milan, Palermo and Bari.
Q: How long is the flight from New York to Bari?
A: The flight from New York to Bari lasts about 8 hours and 40 minutes.
