With its new service expansion, United Airlines will offer five new nonstop flights to destinations no other U.S. airlines serves. These changes will begin in May 2025 and bring passengers to Nuuk, Greenland; Palermo, Italy; Bilbao, Spain; Madeira Island, Portugal and Faro, Portugal via its Newark/New York hub. Additionally, the airline is adding three new nonstop routes from Washington D.C./Dulles. Those flights include its first-ever offering to Dakar, Senegal year-round as well as seasonal nonstop flights to Nice, France and Venice, Italy. United’s summer 2025 transatlantic schedule will feature over 760 weekly flights.
“No other airline gives customers nonstop access to as many unique international destinations and experiences from the U.S. as United,” said Patrick Quayle, Senior Vice President of Global Network Planning and Alliances, United. “Our network provides the most choice and variety for our customers, whether they are looking for a relaxing seaside getaway, once-in-a-lifetime adventure travel or to explore some of the most vibrant urban escapes across the globe.”
The 2025 summer expansion will offer travelers access to a wide array of fun, including reindeer sleigh rides, camel racing and experiencing sunshine at midnight. Here are some of the highlights:
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
United is the only U.S. airline serving Mongolia, with seasonal nonstop service from Tokyo/Narita beginning on May 1, 2025. The country’s new “Welcome to MonGOlia” campaign has labeled Ulaanbaatar as the gateway to some of Mongolia’s most beautiful untouched lands. Therein travelers can enjoy reindeer sleigh rides, camel racing and breathtaking landscapes.
Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Beginning July 11, 2025, United will be the only U.S. airline to offer direct flights to Kaohsiung, Taiwan. The city is known for its modern landscape, historical harbor and gorgeous natural views. Whether travelers enjoy seeking out street art or visiting iconic spots such as the Pier-2 Art Center, Love River and Lotus Pond, the city is full of adventure.
Dakar, Senegal
United’s nonstop flight to Senegal via Washington, D.C./Dulles launches on May 23, 2025. Dakar, which is centrally located on Africa’s west coastline, features pristine beaches, lush forests and rich archaeological history to explore.
Nuuk, Greenland
Travelers craving direct access to an arctic adventure will have twice weekly seasonal service to Nuuk, Greenland beginning June 14, 2025. Nuuk is the northernmost capital in the world, allowing its visitors to check off their bucket list world-class hiking, wildlife and experiencing summer’s midnight sun.
Palermo, Italy
Beginning May 21, 2025, United will serve five destinations in Italy, including its three-times weekly seasonal nonstop service from Newark/New York to Palermo. Travelers wanting to visit the famous Baroque church, Casa Professa, and Italy’s largest opera house, The Massimo, will be able to do so as they explore Sicily’s rich history.
Bilbao, Spain
United’s service from Newark/New York to Bilbao launches on May 31, 2025. Bilbao is the largest city in the Spanish Basque Country and a hub of architecture, culture and cuisine. This Spanish gem offers its visitors the iconic Guggenheim Museum, tasty Basque pinxtos, and connection to the landscapes of Northern Spain.
Madeira Island and Faro, Portugal
With the addition of these two locations in Portugal next summer, United will be serving five total destinations to the country. Faro service begins on May 16th and features flights four times a week. Faro provides access to gorgeous beaches and golden cliffs, as well as luxurious spas, thermal baths and internationally acclaimed golf courses.
Service to Madeira Island begins on June 7, 2025 and features three weekly flights. This expansion offers travelers the first direct access to Madeira Island, which is rife with beauty – from its towering cliffs, seaside towns, green mountains, natural pools, waterfalls and beaches.
Expanded Global Service
United’s expanded service includes some of its most popular stops, such as:
- A year-round, nonstop flight between Tokyo/Narita-Koror, Palau
- Seasonal daily nonstop flights to Venice, Italy from Washington D.C./Dulles beginning May 22nd
- Seasonal, four-times weekly flights to Nice, France via Washington, D.C./Dulles beginning May 24th
- From Newark/New York, resumed service to Athens, Greece; Venice, Italy; Dubrovnik, Croatia
- From San Francisco-Barcelona to Chicago O’Hare-Athens, resumed service on a larger Boeing 787-10 aircraft
- Increased flights between Newark/New York and Palma de Mallorca, Spain
Mexico and Central America Expansion
Finally, United is growing its network in Mexico and Central America, including a nonstop option for Puerto Escondido, Mexico. This flight, which takes place aboard United Express partner Mesa Airlines, will depart from Houston once weekly, year-round. In May 2025, a new daily flight between San Francisco and San Jose, Costa Rica will be available as well.
All new flights are subject to government approval and will be available for sale on United.com and on the United app. For more information, visit United Airlines at https://www.united.com/.