United Airlines, now the largest carrier in the world, is ramping up its international presence with an ambitious expansion of overseas routes in 2025. The airline plans to operate 800 daily international flights next summer to and from 147 global destinations—40 of which are exclusive to United among U.S. carriers.
Dominating the Portugal Market
United will soon fly to more destinations in Portugal than any other U.S. airline. Beginning May 16, the carrier will launch four weekly flights to Faro, followed by three weekly flights to Madeira Island on June 7. These seasonal services will depart from United’s hub at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).
These new flights build on United’s existing routes to Lisbon from both Newark and Washington Dulles, and flights to Porto and Ponta Delgada. With the addition of Faro and Madeira Island, United becomes the only U.S. airline serving five Portuguese cities.
Portugal’s tourism sector experienced record-breaking growth in 2024, and the trend is expected to continue in 2025, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council. United sees this demand as an opportunity to offer more direct access to Portugal’s famous beaches, seaside resorts, golf courses, and scenic coastal towns.
Exclusive New International Destinations
United’s global expansion goes far beyond Portugal. The airline will become the only U.S. carrier to offer direct service to Kaohsiung, Taiwan, starting July 11. The year-round route will operate from Tokyo Narita Airport, giving U.S. travelers a convenient one-stop option to reach the bustling port city known for its blend of modern culture and natural beauty.
Travelers seeking more adventurous destinations can soon fly to Nuuk, Greenland, via new twice-weekly seasonal service launching June 14 from Newark. This gives Americans a rare direct link to the Arctic Circle and the remote capital of Greenland.
Also debuting in May is United’s nonstop seasonal route to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia from Tokyo Narita, beginning May 1. As the only U.S. airline flying to Mongolia, United taps into the country’s rising appeal to thrill-seekers drawn by reindeer sleigh rides, camel racing, and vast unspoiled landscapes.
Expanded Service to Southern Europe
United is also increasing its footprint in Italy and Spain:
On May 21, United will launch service to Palermo, Sicily, becoming the only U.S. airline to offer lie-flat Business Class seats to the city. This addition brings United’s total destinations in Italy to five.
In Spain, United will introduce direct service to Bilbao on May 31, adding to its existing Spanish routes to Palma de Mallorca, Tenerife, Malaga, and more. This will make United the only U.S. airline serving six Spanish cities nonstop.
Leading the Way in Global Connectivity
United’s international expansion reflects its long-term strategy to maintain dominance in global travel. With more international routes than any other American carrier and a growing list of destinations that no other U.S. airline serves, United is positioning itself as the top choice for American travelers exploring the world.
This wave of route launches follows the airline’s October 2024 “Good Leads The Way” campaign, which emphasizes United’s commitment to leadership in service, innovation, and global access.
By offering exclusive access to emerging and established global destinations alike, United Airlines is not only meeting traveler demand but also setting the pace in international aviation.
