United Airlines has announced its largest international expansion ever for the summer of 2025, adding service to eight new global destinations. This expansion offers more flights and routes across the Atlantic, and new connections across Africa and Asia, enhancing United's global footprint.
1. New Destinations for 2025
The expansion will introduce eight new cities to United Airlines’ international flight schedule, opening the door to a wider range of travel experiences. These cities include:
- Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
- Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Nuuk, Greenland
- Palermo, Italy
- Bilbao, Spain
- Madeira Island, Portugal
- Faro, Portugal
- Dakar, Senegal
These destinations represent some of the most diverse locations United has ever serviced, ranging from culturally vibrant European cities to adventurous escapes in Greenland and Mongolia.
2. Why These Destinations?
United has strategically selected these cities based on a combination of passenger demand, unique travel opportunities, and underserved markets. Let’s take a closer look at each of these destinations and what they offer travelers.
2.1. Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
United will become the first U.S. airline to offer direct flights to Mongolia, connecting travelers to the heart of Asia’s vast steppes and nomadic culture. Ulaanbaatar, the capital, is a gateway to Mongolia's untouched landscapes, reindeer sleigh rides, camel racing, and breathtaking scenery. United’s new seasonal flights from Tokyo/Narita will provide easy access for American travelers to explore this fascinating country.
With rising interest in adventure tourism, Mongolia is growing in popularity, seeing a 25% increase in tourism in 2024. United’s connection offers a more convenient option for travelers to experience the dramatic and unique beauty of the region.
2.2. Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Starting in July 2025, United will offer the only U.S.-based direct service to Kaohsiung, Taiwan’s largest port city. Known for its modern urban landscapes and historical charm, Kaohsiung features cultural highlights like the Pier-2 Art Center and scenic Lotus Pond.
United’s new year-round flights from Tokyo/Narita will connect American travelers to this bustling city, expanding their existing twice-daily service between San Francisco and Taipei.
2.3. Nuuk, Greenland
For those looking for adventure in the Arctic, United is offering a gateway to Nuuk, the northernmost capital in the world. Starting in June 2025, the airline will provide direct, twice-weekly flights from Newark/New York.
Nuuk’s pristine wilderness, world-class hiking, and wildlife make it a perfect destination for nature lovers. With the new Nuuk international airport opening soon, Greenland will be more accessible than ever for American travelers.
2.4. Palermo, Italy
Palermo, the capital of Sicily, will soon be connected to the U.S. by United’s three-times-weekly direct flights from Newark/New York starting in May 2025. As a city rich in history, art, and culture, Palermo offers travelers the opportunity to explore ancient ruins, enjoy stunning beaches, and visit Italy’s largest opera house.
This new service complements United’s already extensive flights to Italy, including Venice, Naples, Milan, and Rome, making United the only U.S. airline offering lie-flat Business Class seats between the U.S. and Palermo.
2.5. Bilbao, Spain
United will expand its Spanish network with new nonstop service to Bilbao, the largest city in the Basque Country. Bilbao is famous for the Guggenheim Museum, its avant-garde cityscape, and rich Basque culture. The new flight from Newark/New York will begin in May 2025, adding to United’s other Spanish destinations, such as Barcelona, Madrid, and Palma de Mallorca.
This route will open up the Basque Country to U.S. travelers, offering access to the region's coastal beauty, including San Sebastian and Gexto.
2.6. Madeira Island & Faro, Portugal
United will also increase its presence in Portugal, launching new seasonal flights to Madeira Island and Faro. With its lush landscapes, dramatic cliffs, and relaxing beaches, Madeira Island is a tropical escape perfect for nature lovers. Meanwhile, Faro, in the Algarve region, is famous for its golden cliffs, luxurious resorts, and world-renowned golf courses.
Flights to Faro will begin in May 2025, with four weekly flights, while Madeira Island will see three weekly flights starting in June 2025.
2.7. Dakar, Senegal
Expanding its service to Africa, United will offer its first-ever nonstop flights to Dakar, Senegal from Washington D.C./Dulles starting in May 2025. Dakar is not only a gateway to Africa’s west coast but also a city rich in history and natural beauty.
This year-round, three-times-weekly service builds on United’s existing service to Cape Town, Johannesburg, Accra, and Lagos. Senegal’s growing tourism market, which saw a 13% increase in visitors in early 2024, makes it an ideal addition to United’s African destinations.
3. United’s Expanding Transatlantic Network
With the addition of these new cities, United’s transatlantic schedule will be its largest ever, offering more than 760 weekly flights to over 40 destinations across Europe, Africa, and Asia. This includes expanding service to popular destinations like Venice, Athens, and Barcelona.
In addition, United will increase the frequency of flights between Newark/New York and popular tourist destinations, including:
- Palma de Mallorca, Spain
- Dubrovnik, Croatia
- Athens, Greece
United will also launch a new year-round route from Washington D.C./Dulles to Nice, France, further enhancing its presence in Europe.
4. New Connections in Asia
As part of its global expansion, United will increase its connections in Asia. The airline will add new direct flights from Tokyo-Narita to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia and Kaohsiung, Taiwan, providing convenient access for U.S. travelers.
United will also introduce a new route to Koror, Palau, connecting adventure-seeking travelers to some of the world’s most pristine marine ecosystems.
5. Mexico and Central America Expansion
In addition to expanding across the Atlantic and Pacific, United is also growing its network in Mexico and Central America. Starting in April 2025, United will offer a new direct flight from Houston to Puerto Escondido, Mexico, adding to its 23 existing destinations in Mexico.
In Costa Rica, United will introduce a new daily flight between San Francisco and San Jose, further cementing its position as the largest U.S. carrier to Central America.
6. United’s Competitive Edge
With the largest international network among U.S. airlines, United is positioning itself as the premier choice for travelers seeking a wide range of destinations. From cultural city breaks to once-in-a-lifetime adventures, United’s new routes will appeal to all types of travelers, offering unparalleled convenience and variety.
The airline’s focus on expanding its global reach also reflects its commitment to providing a top-tier customer experience. With more lie-flat Business Class seats, direct routes to unique destinations, and flexible booking options, United is set to dominate the international travel market in 2025.
A New Era for Global Travel
United Airlines’ massive international expansion for 2025 is set to redefine how Americans travel abroad. With new routes connecting travelers to eight exciting and diverse cities around the world, United is offering more choices, more flexibility, and more adventure.
From the icy landscapes of Greenland to the sun-soaked beaches of Portugal, United’s expanded network opens up a world of possibilities for travelers seeking to explore new cultures, experience breathtaking nature, and embark on unforgettable journeys.
As the world’s largest airline, United is well-positioned to continue leading the way in global travel, delivering unparalleled access to new destinations and experiences for its customers.
So, whether you’re looking to experience the midnight sun in Nuuk or explore ancient ruins in Palermo, United Airlines is your ticket to a world of endless adventure in 2025.
About United
At United, Good Leads The Way. With U.S. hubs in Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, New York/Newark, San Francisco and Washington, D.C., United operates the most comprehensive global route network among North American carriers, and is now the largest airline in the world as measured by available seat miles. For more about how to join the United team, please visit www.united.com/careers and more information about the company is at www.united.com. United Airlines Holdings, Inc., the parent company of United Airlines, Inc., is traded on the Nasdaq under the symbol "UAL".
SOURCE United Airlines