WASHINGTON- United Airlines (UA) has announced a significant expansion of its Edinburgh (EDI) to Washington DC (IAD) flight, extending operations into the winter months as part of a major new agreement.
This development strengthens Scotland’s direct connections to the United States capital and enhances United’s presence at Edinburgh Airport (EDI).
United Airlines Flight to Edinburgh
Beginning October 26, United (UA) will operate 5 weekly flights between Edinburgh (EDI) and Washington DC (IAD) until January 5, 2026.
Following a brief pause, service will resume on February 20, transitioning to daily flights from March 29, leading into the summer season of 2026.
This extension represents nearly a 10 per cent increase in United’s seat capacity from Edinburgh, reinforcing the airline’s commitment to the Scottish market.
The expanded service complements United’s existing portfolio of routes from Edinburgh (EDI), which includes daily year-round flights to New York (JFK)/Newark (EWR) and seasonal daily service to Chicago O’Hare (ORD).
“As the only airline connecting Edinburgh to the United States year-round, we are delighted to announce this significant expansion, which further underlines the importance of our Edinburgh services within United’s global network.”
Karolien De Hertogh, Director Sales UK and Ireland, United Airlines
De Hertogh emphasized the improved travel options now available to Scottish customers: “Our customers in Scotland can now benefit from even more time and travel options to visit Washington DC, as well as an unrivalled route network from United’s Washington/Dulles hub, offering convenient nonstop connections to 65 destinations across the Americas.”
Importance of Edinburgh Airport
The announcement comes as Edinburgh Airport (EDI) continues to strengthen its position as Scotland’s primary international gateway. The airport, which markets itself as “Scotland’s Airport,” served 15.8 million passengers last year—nearly double Glasgow Airport’s (GLA) traffic.
Gordon Dewar, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Airport (EDI), welcomed the expansion: “Taking this service to almost year-round shows the clear demand for direct connections between Scotland and the USA, and with three routes from Edinburgh Airport, it’s also a huge show of confidence in the airport as United’s base in Scotland.”
Dewar added: “We’re really looking forward to seeing United expand its presence during the winter months, and with already strong North American connectivity, we will continue to work on adding even more direct services where possible.”
Regional Airport Competition
The timing of United’s announcement comes just 2 days after Glasgow Airport (GLA) revealed plans for a “comprehensive transformation” backed by a £350 million improvements package. The west coast terminal will undergo significant upgrades, including expansion of the airside area beyond security to accommodate more retail and dining options, as well as enlargements to the check-in facilities.
AGS group, Glasgow Airport’s operator, hopes these improvements will allow for faster aircraft turnarounds and help attract airlines that previously abandoned the airport.
Despite these efforts, Edinburgh Airport (EDI) maintains its dominant position in Scotland’s aviation market with passenger numbers far exceeding those at Glasgow.
United’s Global Expansion
The extended Edinburgh (EDI)-Washington DC (IAD) service forms part of what United describes as the largest international expansion in the airline’s history.
The carrier is launching five new routes from its New York (JFK)/Newark (EWR) hub to destinations including Nuuk in Greenland (GOH), Bilbao in Spain (BIO), Palermo in Italy (PMO), Madeira Island (FNC), and Faro in Portugal (FAO).
Additionally, United (UA) is adding 3 new routes from Washington DC/Dulles (IAD), including its first-ever flight to Dakar, Senegal (DSS). The airline will also operate year-round and seasonal flights to European destinations such as Nice (NCE) and Venice (VCE), along with a new seasonal service between Denver (DEN) and Rome (FCO).
This comprehensive expansion strategy demonstrates United’s confidence in growing international travel demand and its commitment to strengthening connections between key global destinations.
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