United Airlines is set to make history with its biggest international expansion yet. Starting in May 2025, United will launch flights to eight new cities, further strengthening its global network. With five new nonstop flights from Newark, New York, to exclusive destinations like Nuuk, Greenland; Palermo, Italy; Bilbao, Spain; and two locations in Portugal (Madeira Island and Faro), United will be offering unique routes that no other U.S. airline currently serves.
The expansion also includes three new routes from Washington, D.C./Dulles. United will introduce its first-ever flight to Dakar, Senegal, as well as new seasonal nonstop services to Nice, France, and Venice, Italy. This move boosts United’s presence across the Atlantic with its most extensive summer schedule ever, offering over 760 weekly flights by the summer of 2025.
United’s Newark hub will offer direct flights to destinations across Europe and beyond that no other U.S. airline serves. Travelers can look forward to experiencing the cultural richness of cities like Bilbao, which is known for the Guggenheim Museum and its vibrant urban life. Palermo, the historic capital of Sicily, offers travelers the chance to explore Italy’s largest opera house and luxurious beaches.
In Washington, D.C., United will add new connections, including the airline’s first year-round flight to Dakar, Senegal, starting May 23, 2025. This will build on United’s already strong presence in Africa, connecting U.S. travelers to even more African destinations. Nice, France, and Venice, Italy, will also join United’s seasonal route offerings, providing more options for travelers heading to Europe.
Mongolia and Taiwan
Expanding beyond Europe and Africa, United will be the only U.S. airline to offer direct flights to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, from Tokyo-Narita starting May 1, 2025. This new route will connect travelers to some of Mongolia’s untouched natural landscapes and adventurous activities like reindeer sleigh rides and camel racing. Nearly half a million people visited Mongolia in 2024, and this number is expected to rise as United makes the country more accessible for American tourists.
Similarly, United will begin flights to Kaohsiung, Taiwan, from Tokyo-Narita on July 11, 2025. Known for its modern cityscape and rich cultural heritage, Kaohsiung provides a new destination for American travelers. United will also maintain its direct service between San Francisco and Taipei, offering more flexibility for travelers exploring Taiwan.
Greenland and the Algarve
Starting June 14, 2025, United will be the first and only U.S. airline to offer direct flights to Nuuk, Greenland, from Newark. Greenland’s capital city is a gateway to world-class hiking and wildlife adventures, providing American travelers with new opportunities to explore the Arctic.
Meanwhile, Portugal’s beautiful Algarve region will be more accessible than ever as United adds direct service to Faro starting May 16, 2025. The new route complements United’s existing service to Lisbon and opens the door to more travel options in Southern Europe. Additionally, Madeira Island, known for its stunning cliffs, natural pools, and tropical landscapes, will receive three weekly flights from Newark, further expanding United’s service to Portugal.
Expanded Service Across the Globe
United isn’t stopping at Europe, Africa, and Asia. The airline is also expanding in Mexico and Central America. Starting April 5, 2025, United will be the first airline to connect the United States to Puerto Escondido, Mexico, with a weekly nonstop flight from Houston. United is also adding a new daily route between San Francisco and San Jose, Costa Rica, starting May 22, 2025. This expansion strengthens United’s position as the top U.S. carrier to Mexico and Central America, adding to the 65 destinations it already serves in Latin America and the Caribbean.
For travelers looking for unique adventures in the Pacific, United will add a nonstop flight between Tokyo-Narita and Koror, Palau, starting in May 2025. Palau’s stunning marine ecosystems and coral reefs are a draw for travelers interested in scuba diving and snorkeling.
By the summer of 2025, United will offer 800 daily flights to 147 international destinations, including 40 that no other U.S. airline serves. With the addition of these new routes, United strengthens its position as a leader in global travel, providing customers with more variety and flexibility in their travel plans.
This expansion is part of United’s broader efforts to enhance its global network. The airline is also resuming flights to popular destinations such as Athens, Greece, Dubrovnik, Croatia, and Barcelona, Spain, earlier in the season, giving travelers even more options for summer travel.
In total, United’s new flights offer an impressive range of destinations, from the vibrant cities of Europe to the natural beauty of Africa and Asia. These new routes will provide travelers with more choices than ever before for both leisure and adventure.
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