United Airlines announced 10 new international routes set to begin in spring 2025, marking one of the largest expansions of long-haul service by a U.S. carrier this year. The routes include destinations in Europe, Asia, and the Atlantic, with eight operated exclusively by United in their respective markets. The first route, San Francisco to Okinawa, Japan, is scheduled to launch on March 27, 2025, followed by additional routes in early April and June.
Eight of the new routes will originate from Newark Liberty International Airport, while two will depart from San Francisco International Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport. The expansion includes five routes operated by the Airbus A321XLR, United’s newest single-aisle jet designed for long-haul travel. The A321XLR features 20 Polaris business-class suites, 12 Premium Plus seats, and a European-style premium class with shared tables and blocked middle seats for added comfort.
The new destinations are:
From Newark:
- Luxembourg (A321XLR)
- Marseille, France (A321XLR)
- Ibiza, Spain (A321XLR)
- Valencia, Spain (A321XLR)
- Terceira, Portugal
- Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Olbia, Italy
- Catania, Italy
From San Francisco:
- Okinawa, Japan
From Washington Dulles:
- Toulouse, France (A321XLR)
United CEO Scott Kirby stated at a media event that the airline aims to position itself as a flag carrier for U.S. travelers, similar to how Emirates is viewed in Dubai. “I want American citizens to feel the same way about United Airlines,” Kirby said, according to an X post from aviation journalist Tim Jue.
Expansion Strategy and Industry Context
The announcement reflects a broader trend among major network carriers to target underserved international markets, particularly smaller European cities where nonstop service from the U.S. is limited. United’s expansion contrasts with financial struggles faced by some smaller airlines in 2026, as reported by industry observers. The airline emphasized that it will serve more destinations in Spain, Portugal, Italy, and France than any other U.S. carrier following the launch of these routes.
United’s fleet currently includes over 1,100 aircraft, making it the world’s largest airline by fleet size. The A321XLR’s extended range enables United to serve long-haul destinations that may not generate sufficient demand for wide-body aircraft. The airline has not disclosed specific passenger capacity estimates for the new routes but noted that the A321XLR’s design prioritizes efficiency for routes with moderate demand.
Route Launch Timeline
The new routes will roll out in phases, with the Okinawa route launching first on March 27, 2025. The Spain and Portugal routes are scheduled to begin in early June 2025, while the remaining routes will launch throughout April and May. United has not announced changes to existing schedules or additional routes beyond 2025 at this time.