United Airlines Adds 17 New Global Routes in Record-Breaking Summer Expansion
United Airlines is ramping up its international offerings in a major way this summer, introducing 17 new routes that stretch across four continents. With 16 of these set to launch by mid-July, this expansion marks the airline’s most ambitious summer schedule to date.
New Connections in Asia and Europe
Starting April 2, United became the sole carrier operating between Guam's Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport (GUM) and Taipei Taoyuan International Airport (TPE). By May 1, two additional long-haul flights took off: one linking Denver (DEN) with Rome's Leonardo da Vinci Airport (FCO)—the only nonstop service between these cities—and another connecting Los Angeles (LAX) to Beijing Capital Airport (PEK).
Come May 22, San Francisco (SFO) will launch a direct flight to San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO), completing a network of direct connections to San Jose from all United hubs. On the same day, flights will also commence from San Francisco to Panama City (PTY), as well as from Washington D.C.’s Dulles Airport (IAD) to Venice (VCE) and Nice (NCE).
Expanding European Access from Newark
Travelers departing from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) are getting more European options. On May 16, United began service to Faro, Portugal (FAO)—its fifth destination in the country. Flights to Madeira (FNC) will launch on June 7.
Italy will gain a fifth United connection when flights to Palermo, Sicily (PMO), start on May 21. Then, on May 31, United will become the only U.S. airline flying to Bilbao, Spain (BIO).
First-Ever Service to Greenland
On June 14, United will make aviation history by becoming the only carrier linking the United States with Nuuk, Greenland (GOH)—a major milestone in Arctic accessibility.
Earlier Launches and Upcoming Debuts
Several new services have already taken off: on April 5, Houston (IAH) welcomed flights to Puerto Escondido, Mexico (PXM); Tokyo’s Narita Airport (NRT) began flying to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia (UBN) on May 1; and Denver (DEN) initiated service to Regina, Canada (YQR) on May 15.
Further additions are on the horizon. On May 23, Dulles gains a new connection to Dakar, Senegal (DSS). Then on July 11, United launches a historic route between Tokyo (NRT) and Kaohsiung, Taiwan (KHH), becoming the only U.S. airline to serve that city.
Where to Stay: Accommodation Options in United's New Destinations
As United Airlines expands its international network, travellers heading to these newly connected cities will find a range of accommodation options available through Karta.com. From major urban centres to lesser-known locales, there are listings to suit various budgets and travel preferences.
Rome, Italy (FCO):
Visitors to the Italian capital can choose from a wide selection of places to stay, including small guesthouses in Trastevere, historic hotels near the Colosseum, and modern lodgings in the city’s business districts.
Beijing, China (PEK):
Beijing offers everything from international hotel chains in central districts like Chaoyang to more traditional accommodation near the city's historical landmarks.
San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO):
Travellers to San Jose will find a mix of urban hotels, eco-lodges, and smaller family-run inns, with convenient access to Costa Rica’s main highways and nearby natural attractions.
Venice & Nice (VCE/NCE):
Venice offers a range of stays, from canal-side hotels to more affordable accommodation on the mainland in Mestre. In Nice, visitors can find options close to the seafront as well as quiet guesthouses tucked into the city’s hillside neighbourhoods.
Faro & Madeira, Portugal (FAO/FNC):
Faro features a mix of small hotels in the historic centre and resorts along the Algarve coast. Madeira’s listings include mountain cottages and coastal villas, suitable for both short stays and longer holidays.
Palermo, Sicily (PMO):
Accommodation in Palermo ranges from traditional Sicilian apartments in the old town to modern hotels near the city’s beaches.
Bilbao, Spain (BIO):
Bilbao has a well-developed hotel infrastructure, with accommodation options close to cultural attractions like the Guggenheim Museum and in neighbourhoods such as Indautxu and Casco Viejo.
Nuuk, Greenland (GOH):
Though limited in scale, Nuuk offers several lodging options, including guesthouses and small hotels, many of which provide views over the fjord or access to outdoor excursions.
Dakar, Senegal (DSS):
In Dakar, visitors can find accommodation near the city’s beaches, markets, and cultural institutions, ranging from international hotels to locally-owned guesthouses.
Kaohsiung, Taiwan (KHH):
Kaohsiung features a variety of lodging options across its districts, including modern city hotels near the harbour and smaller inns close to major metro lines.
