United Airlines Announces Major International Expansion for 2025

United Airlines has announced what it describes as its largest international expansion to date, launching flights to eight new destinations across the globe. This significant move will see the airline introduce nonstop services to cities that are currently unserved by any other U.S. carrier, scheduled to begin in May 2025.

The new destinations include Ulaanbaatar in Mongolia, Kaohsiung in Taiwan, Nuuk in Greenland, Palermo in Italy, Bilbao in Spain, and two cities in Portugal, Madeira and Faro, along with Dakar in Senegal. United Airlines plans to operate these routes predominantly from their hub at Newark Liberty International Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport, according to information shared with Travel + Leisure.

Patrick Quayle, Senior Vice President of Global Network Planning and Alliances at United Airlines, stated, “No other airline gives customers nonstop access to as many unique international destinations and experiences from the U.S. as United.” He emphasized the airline’s commitment to providing a diverse range of travel options for its customers, whether they seek memorable adventures, urban exploration, or relaxing vacations.

The schedule details reveal that service between Newark and Palermo will commence on May 21, with three weekly flights utilizing Boeing 767-400 aircraft, notable for its lie-flat business class seats. The route to Bilbao will start on May 31 from Newark, while flights to Faro will begin on May 16, followed by Madeira on June 7. United also currently offers flights to Lisbon from both Newark and Washington D.C.

In Greenland, United will offer a new connection to Nuuk, starting June 14, establishing it as the only airline to provide direct links from the U.S. to the Greenlandic capital. From Washington D.C., flights to Venice will re-launch on May 22, and those to Nice on May 24. Additionally, new services from Washington to Dakar will commence on May 23.

Further expanding its Asian network, United will fly from Tokyo to Ulaanbaatar beginning May 1, and to Kaohsiung starting July 11. The airline plans to reinstate and increase the frequency of seasonal routes, such as those to Athens and Barcelona, and to boost Dubrovnik flights to daily service.

The carrier’s decision to expand follows a period of ongoing recovery in the aviation industry, aiming to capture renewed demand for international travel post-pandemic. This ambitious expansion reflects United Airlines’ strategy to strengthen its position in the global travel market and attract more international customers.