United Airlines adds direct flights between major cities and popular destinations

Thursday, March 7, 2024

Today, United Airlines unveiled its ambitious expansion plans, bolstering its position as a frontrunner in the global aviation industry. The airline is set to introduce new non-stop routes connecting key hubs such as New York/Newark to Marrakesh, Morocco; Tokyo/Narita to Cebu, Philippines; and Houston to Medellin, Colombia. Moreover, United will ramp up its services to highly sought-after destinations worldwide, including increased flights to Hong Kong, Seoul, South Korea, and Porto, Portugal.

Furthermore, in response to the recent agreement between the Chinese and U.S. governments to enhance flight connections, United will add four weekly flights between Los Angeles and Shanghai.

With this expansion, United solidifies its position as the U.S. airline with the most expansive and diverse international route network, offering direct flights to 134 destinations across 67 countries. Notably, United outpaces all other U.S. carriers combined in terms of destinations served across the Atlantic and Pacific regions.

Beyond major hubs, United continues to lead the way in connecting travelers to unique and lesser-known destinations globally. This includes flights to nine destinations that are exclusive to United, such as Palma de Mallorca, Spain; Christchurch, New Zealand; and Dubrovnik, Croatia, among others.

“We have consistently been ahead of the curve in finding hidden gem destinations for our customers to explore and remain committed to providing the most unique slate of travel options for their adventures abroad,” said Patrick Quayle, United’s Senior Vice President of Global Network Planning and Alliances, “With our leading global network and elevated inflight experience, United has become the airline of choice for discerning customers looking for experiences they can’t have with any other carrier.”

New York/Newark-Marrakesh, Morocco

In the upcoming winter season, United Airlines will significantly bolster its offerings from metropolitan New York to Africa, emerging as the foremost provider with the most extensive flight options. Notably, it will inaugurate direct service between the United States and Marrakesh, Morocco, a unique route that none other currently offers. This new route from New York/Newark is set to commence on October 24, featuring three weekly flights utilizing the Boeing 767-300ER aircraft. The flight configuration will include 46 United Polaris® business class seats and 22 United Premium Plus® seats, ensuring travelers have a range of elevated travel options. This expansion builds upon United’s existing presence in Africa, which includes service to Accra, Ghana; Lagos, Nigeria; and Cape Town and Johannesburg, South Africa.

Tokyo/Narita-Cebu, Philippines

Expanding its footprint in the Philippines, United Airlines will introduce year-round non-stop service from Tokyo-Narita to Cebu, starting July 31. This service marks United as the sole U.S. carrier operating flights to Cebu, with daily flights operated on Boeing 737-800 aircraft. Passengers can seamlessly connect to this service from various United flights departing from San Francisco, Los Angeles, Denver, Newark-New York, and Houston to Tokyo-Narita. Additionally, United remains the exclusive U.S. carrier offering transpacific service to the Philippines, with daily flights between San Francisco and Manila, as well as routes to Manila from Guam and Palau.

Houston-Medellin, Colombia

In a historic move, United Airlines will initiate non-stop flights from Houston to Medellin, Colombia, commencing October 27. This daily service will utilize Boeing 737 aircraft and marks United’s first direct route to Medellin. The addition of this route enhances United’s presence in Colombia, complementing its existing services from Houston and Newark to Bogota. Overall, United will serve 52 destinations across Latin America from Houston.

United’s 2024 International Schedule

In addition to these new routes, United Airlines is set to expand its global reach further this year. The airline is gradually rebuilding its mainland China schedule, with the introduction of four weekly flights between Shanghai and Los Angeles aboard the Boeing 787-9, starting August 29. Furthermore, in late October, this service will escalate to daily flights. These additions complement United’s existing daily services between San Francisco-Shanghai and San Francisco-Beijing, facilitated by the recent agreement between the U.S. and China to augment flight frequencies.

United is set to enhance its offerings to Hong Kong and Seoul, South Korea. A second daily Los Angeles-Hong Kong flight, operated using the Boeing 787-9 aircraft, will debut on October 26, supplementing the existing two daily flights from San Francisco. Additionally, United will unveil year-round twice-daily flights between San Francisco and Seoul, starting October 25. Furthermore, United has recently broadened its Tokyo service with the introduction of a new route linking Haneda and Guam, which commenced operations in May.
Expanding its transatlantic presence, United Airlines will introduce a second daily flight between New York/Newark and Porto, Portugal, utilizing the Boeing 757-200, starting May 23. United currently offers more flights to Portugal than all other U.S. carriers combined and remains the sole U.S. carrier serving Porto.

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