Washington, April 22 - The United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) has granted approval for United Airlines to operate fifth freedom flights from Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN), marking a significant expansion of the carrier’s Asia-Pacific network. This decision, finalized on April 18, 2025, positions United as the only U.S. airline to offer daily services to these two vibrant Southeast Asian destinations, with flights set to commence on October 26, 2025. The approval allows United to leverage fifth freedom rights, which permit an airline to carry paying passengers between two foreign countries as part of a journey that originates or terminates in its home country. In this case, the flights will operate as extensions of United’s existing twice-daily Los Angeles to Hong Kong route, with additional services originating from San Francisco.
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United Airlines will deploy its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft on these routes, which are configured to seat 257 passengers across a four-class layout: 48 in business class, 21 in premium economy, 39 in economy plus, and 149 in standard economy. The aircraft, with an average age of 6.7 years, are well-suited for long-haul operations, offering enhanced passenger comfort and operational efficiency. The new flights are strategically timed to facilitate seamless connections for travelers from major U.S. hubs, including Chicago O’Hare, Denver, Houston, Newark, and Washington Dulles, thereby meeting the growing demand for travel to Southeast Asia. Bangkok, a major aviation hub and cultural center, and Ho Chi Minh City, a burgeoning economic powerhouse, are expected to attract both leisure and business travelers.
This move is part of United’s broader strategy to strengthen its presence in the Asia-Pacific region, where it already serves 32 destinations. The DOT’s allocation of seven weekly fifth-freedom frequencies for each route—Hong Kong to Bangkok and Hong Kong to Ho Chi Minh City—underscores the airline’s commitment to expanding connectivity. These frequencies are subject to a 90-day dormancy rule, requiring United to launch services by November 5, 2025, or risk losing the allocation. The approval also aligns with United’s recent network enhancements, including a second daily flight between San Francisco and Manila starting October 25, 2025, and a seasonal service to Adelaide, Australia, beginning December 11, 2025, using the same Boeing 787-9 aircraft.
The fifth freedom flight offers operational advantages, such as the ability to refuel and change crews in Hong Kong while providing passengers with flexible travel options, including the ability to book segments between Hong Kong and the Southeast Asian cities. This strategic use of Hong Kong as a gateway enhances United’s competitive edge against Asian carriers like Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific. By capitalizing on fifth freedom rights, United is not only expanding its network but also reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as a global aviation hub, driving economic benefits through increased tourism, cargo capacity, and job creation in the U.S. and Southeast Asia.