CHICAGO- United Airlines (UA) has announced its largest international expansion to date with launch of eight new destinations, set to launch in May 2025.
Chicago-based airline will introduce eight new destinations across Europe, Africa, and Asia, solidifying its position as the leading U.S. carrier for global travel.
United Airlines Eight New Destinations
The expansion focuses on Newark/New York and Washington D.C./Dulles hubs.
From Newark, United will launch five exclusive nonstop routes to Nuuk, Greenland; Palermo, Italy; Bilbao, Spain; Madeira Island, Portugal; and Faro, Portugal. These destinations are currently unserved by any other U.S. airline.
Washington D.C./Dulles will see three new routes, including United’s first-ever flight to Dakar, Senegal, operating year-round, and seasonal nonstop flights to Nice, France, and Venice, Italy.
United’s summer 2025 transatlantic schedule will offer over 760 weekly flights, marking its most extensive service across the Atlantic. The airline will also extend the travel season for popular European destinations such as Venice, Athens, and Barcelona by introducing earlier start dates.
Additionally, United will increase the frequency of weekly direct flights between Newark/New York and Palma de Mallorca, Dubrovnik, and Athens.
In Asia, United expands its reach with new direct flights from Tokyo-Narita to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, and Kaohsiung, Taiwan. A new nonstop flight to Koror, Palau, will also be added. These routes will connect seamlessly with United’s transpacific services to five continental U.S. hubs.
This expansion will provide travelers access to diverse experiences, from reindeer sleigh rides in Greenland to camel racing in Senegal, and iconic attractions like the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao and Italy’s largest opera house in Palermo.
800 Daily Flights in Summer
United Airlines will offer 800 daily flights to 147 international destinations next summer, including 40 exclusive destinations not served by other U.S. carriers. This network growth reinforces United’s status as the world’s largest airline and the U.S. carrier with the most international destinations.
Patrick Quayle, Senior Vice President of Global Network Planning and Alliances, emphasized United’s unique position in providing nonstop access to diverse international destinations. He stated that United’s network offers unparalleled choice and variety for customers seeking various travel experiences.
This expansion aligns with United’s recent “Good Leads The Way” brand advertising campaign, which highlights the airline’s global network and the flexibility it offers to travelers worldwide.
Asian Destinations
United Airlines announces groundbreaking expansion into Mongolia and Taiwan, reinforcing its position as a leading carrier for unique Asian destinations.
The airline will launch exclusive U.S. carrier services to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, and Kaohsiung, Taiwan, from Tokyo/Narita in 2025.
Seasonal nonstop flights to Ulaanbaatar begin May 1, making United the sole U.S. airline serving Mongolia. This route capitalizes on Mongolia’s growing tourism sector, which saw nearly half a million visitors in 2024, a 25% increase from 2023.
European, South Korean, and Japanese travelers have primarily driven this growth. United’s new service offers American travelers’ easier access to Mongolia’s untouched landscapes and unique experiences, including reindeer sleigh rides and camel racing.
Mongolia’s “Welcome to MonGOlia” campaign promotes Ulaanbaatar as the gateway to the country’s dramatic scenery and adventure tourism opportunities. The capital city serves as a starting point for exploring Mongolia’s vast, unspoiled territories, appealing to travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences.
On July 11, United launches year-round service to Kaohsiung, Taiwan, becoming the only U.S. airline offering direct flights to Taiwan’s southern metropolis.
Kaohsiung, known for its modern urban landscape, historical harbor, and natural beauty, presents a diverse range of attractions for visitors. The city boasts an extensive street art scene, iconic sites like the Pier-2 Art Center, and natural wonders such as Love River and Lotus Pond, catering to both culture enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Sole African Destination
United Airlines announces a groundbreaking expansion of its African network with the introduction of a direct flight from Washington/Dulles to Dakar, Senegal. This new route, set to launch on May 23, establishes United as the U.S. carrier with the most extensive African destination portfolio.
The year-round service will operate three times weekly, connecting the U.S. capital with Senegal’s vibrant coastal metropolis. Dakar, strategically positioned on Africa’s western coastline, serves as a gateway to the continent, offering travelers access to pristine beaches, lush forests, and sites of rich archaeological significance.
This addition complements United’s existing African routes, which include services to Cape Town and Johannesburg in South Africa, Accra in Ghana, Lagos in Nigeria, and seasonal flights to Marrakesh, Morocco.
The expansion aligns with Africa’s burgeoning tourism industry, which has experienced a 13% increase in arrivals during the first quarter of this year compared to the same period in 2023, according to UN Tourism data.
United Airlines New European Destinations
United Airlines announces a significant expansion of its European network for 2025, introducing direct flights to Nuuk (Greenland), Palermo (Italy), Bilbao (Spain), and two Portuguese destinations: Madeira Island and Faro.
Nuuk, Greenland: Starting June 14, United launches twice-weekly seasonal service from Newark/New York to Nuuk, Greenland’s capital. This four-hour flight makes United the only carrier directly connecting the U.S. to the world’s northernmost capital.
The route coincides with the opening of Nuuk’s new international airport, providing easier access to Greenland’s arctic adventures, world-class hiking, and midnight sun experiences.
Palermo, Italy: United expands its Italian network with thrice-weekly seasonal flights from Newark/New York to Palermo, beginning May 21. This service, operated by a Boeing 767-400 with lie-flat Business Class seats, makes United the only airline offering such comfort on this route.
Palermo offers travelers Sicily’s rich history, luxurious beaches, and architectural marvels like Casa Professa and The Massimo opera house. This addition brings United’s Italian destinations to five, including Venice, Naples, Milan, and Rome.
Bilbao, Spain: From May 31, United introduces thrice-weekly flights from Newark/New York to Bilbao, becoming the only U.S. airline serving this Spanish Basque city directly.
Bilbao, known for its avant-garde architecture, culture, and cuisine, offers attractions like the Guggenheim Museum and famous Basque pinxtos. This service expands United’s Spanish network to six destinations, the most among U.S. carriers, including exclusive routes to Palma de Mallorca, Tenerife, and Malaga.
Portuguese Destinations: United adds two new Portuguese routes from Newark/New York: four-times-weekly flights to Faro starting May 16, and thrice-weekly service to Madeira Island beginning June 7.
These additions bring United’s Portuguese destinations to five, the most of any U.S. carrier.
Additional Flights to Existing Cities
United Airlines expands its global network with new routes and increased service to popular international destinations. The airline introduces a year-round nonstop flight between Tokyo/Narita and Koror, Palau, enhancing access to Palau’s marine ecosystems for U.S. travelers.
United adds seasonal daily flights from Washington/Dulles to Venice, Italy starting May 22, and four-times weekly flights to Nice, France from May 24. The airline resumes service to Athens from Newark/New York on March 6, Venice on March 29, and Dubrovnik on May 1, with increased frequency to daily flights.
Service between San Francisco-Barcelona and Chicago O’Hare-Athens resumes on May 1, utilizing larger Boeing 787-10 aircraft. United increases flights between Newark/New York and Palma de Mallorca, Spain to four weekly flights.
In Mexico and Central America, United becomes the first airline to connect the U.S. to Puerto Escondido, Mexico with a weekly year-round flight from Houston starting April 5. This addition brings United’s Mexican destinations to 23 and Latin American and Caribbean destinations to 65.
United launches a daily flight between San Francisco and San Jose, Costa Rica on May 22, connecting San Jose to all seven of United’s U.S. hubs. This strengthens United’s position as the largest U.S. carrier to Costa Rica and Central America.
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