New York - June 4, 2025: The first direct flight to southern Italy's city of Bari departed New York's JFK International Airport last night at 5:00 pm, starting a weekly service scheduled to continue into the fall. Some 10 million Americans trace their roots to the Italian region of Apulia (or Puglia, in Italian) and demand for the flights is already exceeding expectations.

The flights are operated by Neos, Italy's second-largest airline, using state-of-the art Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft with 355 seats in economy and Premium classes. Flights operate from JFK to Bari's Karol Wojtyla Airport on Tuesdays, returning on Wednesdays, giving American visitors a full week in Italy. Neos operates daily to Italy from New York's JFK with flights to Milan, Palermo in Sicily, and now Bari. Neos also flies nonstop from Toronto to Milan.

“We are very happy to announce that as of today the new direct flight from New York to Bari will be available, a strategic connection that confirms the major growth potential of the Apulian market,” says Carlo Stradiotti, CEO of Neos. “Our goal is to carry about 12,700 travelers in the first year of operation. These flights are a recognition of the beauty, vitality and international credibility that Puglia has been able to build.”

“Today is a day of celebration for the people of Apulia,” said the CEO of Aeroporti di Puglia, Antonio Maria Vasile, “and I want to share our joy with them; this new connection will boost the ambitious growth of tourism and in an extraordinarily attractive destination known for the beauty of its landscapes, the history of millenary civilizations and the unique taste of its food and wine.” 

Neos flights can be reserved at us.neosair.com or through travel agents.