United Airlines will introduce nonstop flights to three new international destinations and expand frequencies on existing international routes. The carrier announced this route expansion on March 7, giving passengers enough time to plan their summer and winter vacations. United will now offer nonstop service to 134 international destinations across 67 countries on all six inhabited continents. The airline has the largest global network and provides the most transatlantic and transpacific routes among U.S. carriers.

Patrick Quayle, United's Senior Vice President of Global Network Planning and Alliances, said about the routes:

"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. 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."

Three New International Destinations

United will launch nonstop flights from Newark (EWR) to Marrakesh (RAK) on October 24. This service will operate three times weekly using a Boeing 767-300ER aircraft. The aircraft can accommodate 167 passengers across three cabin classes: 46 in United Polaris (business class), 22 in United Premium Plus (premium economy), and 99 in economy class. The route will be the first direct flight between the U.S. and Marrakesh, a popular travel destination that Americans previously had to connect through Casablanca (CMN) or a European airport to access. 

United's second new international route will connect Tokyo-Narita (NRT) and Cebu (CEB) in the Philippines starting July 31. The route will use Boeing 737-800 aircraft. American travelers visiting the Philippines can fly on United to Tokyo-Narita from five U.S. destinations and then take this route to Cebu. Passengers can also access the Philippines through United flights to Manila (MNL) from Guam (GUM), Palau (ROR), and San Francisco (SFO).

United's third international route will connect Houston-Intercontinental (IAH) to Medellín (MDE). The route will operate daily using Boeing 737 aircraft starting October 27. This service will be United's third to Colombia after routes from IAH and EWR to Bogotá (BOG), which use Boeing 737 MAX 8 planes. Houston is United's largest hub for flights to Latin America, with the carrier serving 52 destinations across the region from IAH.

Expanded Frequencies on Existing Routes

Direct flights between the U.S. and China are returning as both governments agree to expand the number of weekly flights connecting the two countries. United will boost weekly frequencies on its route connecting Los Angeles (LAX) and Shanghai-Pudong (PVG), operated using Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. The carrier will have four weekly flights starting August 29 before increasing to daily service in October. United's other routes to China post-pandemic fly from SFO to PVG and Beijing-Capital (PEK).

United will add a second daily flight between LAX and Hong Kong (HKG), also operated with a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. This frequency change will occur on October 26, with the airline also serving HKG twice daily from SFO. The carrier will also serve Seoul-Incheon (ICN) twice daily from SFO starting October 25. United previously announced a new route between Tokyo-Haneda (HND) and Guam (GUM) that will launch in May.

In Europe, United will introduce a second daily flight between Newark and Porto (OPO) on May 23. This route uses a Boeing 757-200 and is the only nonstop flight between the U.S. and Porto, alongside another Newark-Porto service offered by TAP Air Portugal.