United Airlines is broadening its horizon with the addition of new international flights, marking what the company calls its "largest-ever international expansion." As per the airline's announcement, travelers can expect nonstop services to several sought-after destinations starting in 2025. Routes include cities like Bilbao, Spain; Dakar, Senegal; and Faro, Portugal, with several of these markets not currently served by any other U.S. carrier, according to CBS News.
Adding to the international tapestry, United will connect Houston, Texas, to Puerto Escondido, Mexico, as well as commence a new route from San Francisco to San Jose, Costa Rica. The Houston to Puerto Escondido flight, set to take flight on April 5, 2025, will be operated by United Express partner Mesa Airlines on the Embraer 175 aircraft, making United the only international airline to service Puerto Escondido, according to a Houston Chronicle report.
Patrick Quayle, senior vice president of Global Network Planning and Alliances at United, highlighted the variety the airline's network offers, saying, "No other airline gives customers nonstop access to as many unique international destinations and experiences from the U.S. as United." This includes attractions ranging from urban excursions to idyllic seaside locations, aiming to cater to a diverse range of traveler preferences. The company is extending its services to include eight new cities, five originating from Newark/New York, with the remaining dispersed from other strategic hubs, detailed in the announcement shared by Houston Chronicle.
In addition to the fresh destinations, United plans to resume services in several areas. The airline will reinstate flights such as Newark/New York to Athens, Greece; Venice, Italy; and Dubrovnik, Croatia starting from March 2025. San Francisco-Barcelona and Chicago O'Hare-Athens routes, among others, are also slated to resume, as United foresees demand for these destinations. Customers looking to snag a seat on these flights will be able to do so via United's official channels, pending government approvals necessary for the new offerings.
The expansion reflects an ambitious move by United to increase its global footprint and offer exclusive travel experiences – one that underscores Houston's strategic importance and its status as the gateway to Latin America. The airline operates more than 400 flights a day from the Houston hub, catering to 59 international destinations, which includes 23 destinations in Mexico, United Airlines spokesperson Aubrey Jackson told the Houston Chronicle in an email.
