Chicago, 3 April, 2025 - United Airlines has recently unveiled an ambitious expansion of its Pacific network, introducing four new flight routes that will connect travelers to Bangkok, Thailand; Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Adelaide, Australia; and an additional frequency to Manila, Philippines. This strategic move, announced on April 2, 2025, positions United as the leading U.S. carrier in the Pacific region, reinforcing its commitment to offering unparalleled access to diverse and dynamic destinations across Asia and Oceania. With these additions, the airline will serve 32 unique cities in the Pacific, a figure that surpasses any other U.S. airline by a factor of four, catering to the growing demand for international travel from North America.
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The new services to Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City will commence on October 26, 2025, making United the only U.S. airline to offer flights to these vibrant Southeast Asian hubs. Rather than operating nonstop from the United States, these daily flights will originate from Hong Kong, leveraging United’s existing transpacific routes from Los Angeles and San Francisco. This approach allows for seamless one-stop connections, enhancing convenience for travelers while optimizing aircraft utilization. Both routes will be operated using Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, which feature 48 Polaris business-class seats, 21 Premium Plus seats, 39 Economy Plus seats, and 149 standard economy seats. Bangkok, a city renowned for its blend of ancient temples and bustling urban life, and Ho Chi Minh City, with its rich history and thriving culinary scene, are expected to attract a mix of leisure and business passengers seeking to explore these culturally rich destinations.
In a groundbreaking move, United will launch the first-ever nonstop service between the United States and Adelaide, Australia, starting December 11, 2025. This seasonal, three-times-weekly flight will depart from San Francisco, also utilizing the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. Adelaide, the capital of South Australia, marks United’s fourth Australian destination, joining Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. This route, spanning approximately 8,070 miles, will provide direct access to a city celebrated for its wine regions, such as Barossa Valley, and natural attractions like Kangaroo Island, appealing to travelers eager to experience Australia’s summer season. The flight schedule is designed to maximize convenience, with departures from San Francisco at 11:05 PM arriving in Adelaide at 9:30 AM two days later, and return flights leaving Adelaide at 2:55 PM to arrive in San Francisco by 11:15 AM the same day.
Complementing these new routes, United is enhancing its service to Manila by adding a second daily flight from San Francisco, effective October 25, 2025. This additional frequency, operated on a Boeing 777-300ER with 60 Polaris seats, 24 Premium Plus seats, 62 Economy Plus seats, and 204 standard economy seats, will offer travelers the flexibility of daytime or evening departures in both directions. Manila, a key destination in the Philippines, continues to grow in popularity for its historical landmarks, vibrant street food culture, and proximity to natural wonders like Taal Volcano. United remains the only U.S. carrier serving the Philippines, with existing flights to both Manila and Cebu, further solidifying its dominance in this market. This expansion underscores United’s strategy to broaden its global footprint, capitalizing on its position as the world’s leading carrier across the Pacific. Last year alone, the airline transported over six million passengers in the region, a testament to the robust demand for its services. Tickets for the Adelaide and additional Manila flights are already available for purchase on United’s website and mobile app, while bookings for Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City will open at a later date, pending final government approvals. As United prepares to roll out its highly anticipated Summer 2025 schedule, these new routes highlight its ongoing mission to connect travelers to unique and emerging destinations worldwide, enhancing both accessibility and choice for its customers.