On Thursday, October 10th, United Airlines announced a large international expansion with eight new destinations being serviced. Starting in May 2025, United will launch five new nonstop flights from its hub in Newark/New York to destinations including Nuuk, Greenland; Palermo, Italy; Bilbao, Spain; Madeira Island and Faro, Portugal. The airline also adds three new nonstop routes from Washington D.C./Dulles to Dakar, Senegal; Nice, France; and Venice, Italy.
The airline will increase the number of weekly direct flights between Newark/New York-Palma de Mallorca, Newark/New York-Dubrovnik, and Newark/New York-Athens. “No other airline gives customers nonstop access to as many unique international destinations and experiences from the U.S. as United,” said Patrick Quayle, Senior Vice President of Global Network Planning and Alliances.
United is also adding new direct flights from Tokyo-Narita to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia and Kaohsiung, and a new nonstop flight to Koror, Palau. These new flights will connect in Tokyo to United’s transpacific services to five hub locations in the continental United States. The airline flies to more international destinations than any other U.S. carrier. In total next summer, United will offer 800 daily flights to and from 147 international destinations.
“Our network provides the most choice and variety for our customers,” said Quayle. “Whether they are looking for a relaxing seaside getaway, once-in-a-lifetime adventure travel or to explore some of the most vibrant urban escapes across the globe.”
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
United will offer seasonal nonstop service from Tokyo/Narita launching May 1. According to the country’s new Welcome to Mongolia campaign, Ulaanbaatar is the gateway to some of the most untouched lands of Mongolia, which offers reindeer sleigh rides, camel racing and dramatic landscapes, perfect for adventurous travellers.
Nearly half a million people visited Mongolia so far in 2024, up 25% compared to 2023, as the country continues to trend as one of the top places to visit in Asia. Most of that increase has come from Europe, South Korea and Japan.
Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Starting July 11, United will offer direct service to Kaohsiung, Taiwan, a city known for its modern urban landscape, historical harbor and breathtaking nature. From its expansive street art scene to iconic sites, like the Pier-2 Art Center, Love River and Lotus Pond, the city is rich with activities for nature lovers and culture enthusiasts.
United’s new year-round service from Tokyo/Narita will provide an easy one-stop option for American travelers looking to visit the city, and complements the airline’s twice-daily, nonstop service between San Francisco-Taipei.
Dakar, Senegal
United’s nonstop Washington/Dulles-Senegal flight will launch on May 23. Located on Africa’s west coastline, Dakar is the gateway to Africa with pristine beaches, lush forests and rich archaeological history.
This service builds on the airline’s existing service to Cape Town and Johannesburg, South Africa; Accra, Ghana and Lagos, Nigeria and seasonal service to Marrakesh, Morocco; United’s new service to Dakar will help further Africa’s growing tourism industry, which has seen 13% more arrivals in the first quarter this year compared to the same period in 2023 according to the UN Tourism.
Nuuk, Greenland
Travelers will now have direct access to Greenland via twice weekly seasonal service to its capital city, Nuuk from Newark/New York starting June 14. United will be the only carrier to connect the U.S. directly to Nuuk – the northernmost capital in the world, providing a gateway to world-class hiking and fascinating wildlife under the summer’s midnight sun.
Nuuk’s new international airport will open next month, and United’s new direct flights will make Greenland more accessible than ever for American travelers with a nonstop flight just over four hours long.
Palermo, Italy
United will serve five destinations in Italy beginning May 21 with the launch of its three-times-weekly seasonal nonstop service between Newark/New York-Palermo. Travellers can experience Sicily’s rich history, luxurious beaches and stunning architecture – including the famed Baroque church, Casa Professa, and Italy’s largest opera house, The Massimo.
This new flight builds on United’s existing service to Venice, Naples, Milan and Rome, including the only U.S. carrier serving Italy from the West Coast. The flight will operate on a Boeing 767-400, making United the only airline with lie-flat Business Class seats between the U.S. and Palermo. United will now offer a direct link to Sicily.
Bilbao, Spain
United is expanding its leading network in Spain with service from Newark/New York to Bilbao launching May 31. As the largest city in the Spanish Basque Country, Bilbao is a hub of architecture, culture and cuisine. From visiting the iconic Guggenheim Museum to enjoying famous Basque pinxtos, this Spanish gem gives an avant-garde city experience. It connects visitors to the incredible landscapes of Northern Spain, including coastal destinations, like Gexto and Donostia-San Sebastian.
United serves six destinations in Spain and is the only carrier to directly connect Palma de Mallorca, Tenerife, Malaga, and Bilbao to the U.S., in addition to its service to Barcelona and Madrid. According to the Basque Country Tourism, 2024 was a historical year of travel to the region, and United’s new three times weekly flight will provide unparalleled access to Northern Spain.
Madeira Island and Faro, Portugal
Next summer, United will now serve five destinations in Portugal. The new service to Faro will have four times weekly flights starting May 16, and Madeira Island will have three times weekly flights starting June 7. This builds on United’s existing service to Lisbon from Newark/New York and Washington/Dulles. Both new seasonal flights will be served from United’s hub at Newark/New York.
The World Travel & Tourism Council 2024 Economic Impact Research predicted 2024 would be a historic year for tourism in Portugal, and that momentum is expected to continue into 2025. Madeira is known for its towering cliffs, seaside towns, green mountains, natural pools, waterfalls and beaches. Faro provides access to the Algarve region’s famed stretches of beaches, golden cliffs, luxurious spas, thermal baths and internationally acclaimed golf courses.
Mexico and Central America Expansion
Starting April 5, United will be the first and only airline to connect the United States to Puerto Escondido, Mexico with a nonstop once weekly, year-round flight from Houston operated by United Express partner Mesa Airlines. With this new flight, United will serve 23 destinations in Mexico, and 65 destinations in the broader Latin and Caribbean region following the recent addition of Dominica service from Newark/New York launching on February 15, 2025.
Starting May 22, United also will add a new daily flight between San Francisco and San Jose, Costa Rica. United will now connect San Jose with all seven of its U.S. hubs.
