United Airlines expands global routes by adding three new international destinations and four flights this year. The new destinations include Marrakesh-Morocco, Cebu-Philippines, and Medellin- Colombia, marking United's inaugural nonstop flight to the latter. With these additions, United now offers nonstop flights to 134 international destinations in 67 countries, surpassing other US carriers combined in Atlantic and Pacific routes. Among these are nine destinations exclusive to United, such as Palma de Mallorca, Spain; Christchurch, New Zealand; and Dubrovnik, Croatia. Patrick Quayle, United's SVP of global network planning and alliances, emphasized the airline's strategy of providing unique experiences for passengers, as shared with Condé Nast Traveller.
United is expanding its presence in the Philippines by introducing new year-round, nonstop service from Tokyo-Narita, starting July 31. This service will connect Japan's Tokyo-Narita International Airport to Mactan–Cebu International Airport in the Philippines with daily flights operated by Boeing 737-800 aircraft. United will be the sole U.S. carrier offering this direct link to Cebu, complemented by convenient connections from United's flights from San Francisco, Los Angeles, Denver, Newark-New York, and Houston to Tokyo-Narita. Currently, United is the only U.S. carrier providing transpacific service to the Philippines, with daily flights between San Francisco and Manila, as well as flights to Manila from Guam and Palau. The new Tokyo-Cebu route is now open for booking through United's website and mobile app.
United will introduce its first nonstop service to Medellin, Colombia, starting October 27, 2024, with daily flights from Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport operated by Boeing 737 aircraft. This expansion complements United's existing service from Houston and Newark to the Colombian capital of Bogota, enhancing its presence in Colombia and adding to its network of 52 destinations in Latin America served from Houston. Medellín, known as the "city of eternal spring," offers year-round warm weather and serves as a laid back alternative to Bogota. The city has undergone a transformation, developing a thriving tech scene that attracts digital nomads worldwide. It has also made advancements in public infrastructure, education, and transportation with a focus on sustainability. Medellín's rich history and diverse culinary scene appeal to art and culture enthusiasts and food lovers alike. For accommodation, consider staying at The Charlee Lifestyle Hotel in Medellín's vibrant Zona Rosa neighborhood.
Beginning October 24, United will be the exclusive airline providing direct flights between the U.S. and Marrakesh, launching new service from Newark Liberty International Airport near New York City. Operated three times weekly on a Boeing 767-300ER aircraft, equipped with 46 United Polaris® business class and 22 United Premium Plus® seats, this flight offers an elevated travel experience. This expansion strengthens United's presence in Africa, adding to its existing service to Accra, Ghana; Lagos, Nigeria; and Cape Town and Johannesburg, South Africa, making it the airline with the most flights to the most destinations in Africa from metro New York.
United will bolster its global flight offerings this year with expansions across various destinations. Commencing October 26 from Los Angeles, the airline will increase service to Hong Kong, while service to Seoul, South Korea, will commence from San Francisco on October 25. Porto, Portugal, will also see enhanced service from Newark/New York starting May 23. Additionally, United will introduce four extra weekly flights between Los Angeles and Shanghai from August 29, following an agreement between the U.S. and Chinese governments to improve connectivity. These expansions complement United's efforts to increase its global flight offerings, which include rebuilding its schedule in mainland China, adding flights to Hong Kong and Seoul, and expanding routes across the Atlantic, such as a second daily flight between New York/Newark and Porto, Portugal.
