United Dominates the Pacific: New Routes to Australia, Vietnam, and Thailand

United continues to push the boundaries of international travel with its latest route expansion, announcing three new routes to Asia and reinforcing its position as the largest U.S. carrier across the Pacific.

Just months after unveiling its most ambitious global network expansion for Summer 2025—including historic firsts like flights to Nuuk, Greenland, and Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia—the airline has announced another major milestone: new routes to Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, and Adelaide, along with increased service to Manila.

Photo: Courtesy of Arkin Si / Unsplash

These additions, set to roll out in late 2025, are part of United’s strategy of expanding into underserved markets while bolstering its dominance in key global regions. With these moves, United continues to climb its position as the airline of choice for business and leisure travelers seeking direct access to some of the world’s most dynamic destinations.

Breaking New Ground in Asia

United is set to become the only U.S. airline offering direct flights to Bangkok, Thailand, and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. These new daily services, operated via Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), will provide seamless connections for travelers from across North America.

Starting October 26, United will launch daily flights to Bangkok (BKK), operated with its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. Thailand’s capital, renowned for its rich history, street food culture, and vibrant nightlife, has long been a favorite among international travelers, and this route will make it easier for Americans to reach the city with just one stop.

Photo: Downtown Bangkok. Courtesy of Braden Jarvis / Unsplash

On the same day, United will also inaugurate daily service to Ho Chi Minh City, marking a significant milestone in its global network expansion. As Vietnam’s economic and cultural hub, Ho Chi Minh City is attracting increasing numbers of business travelers and tourists eager to explore its French colonial architecture, dynamic street markets, and thriving commercial scene.

Photo: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Courtesy of Peter Nguyen / Unsplash

These routes not only provide greater accessibility to Southeast Asia but also signal United’s commitment to expanding its footprint in a region that has seen rapid economic growth and surging travel demand.

Growing Down Under

Australia has also become a key focus for United, and the airline’s new nonstop route from San Francisco to Adelaide—set to launch on December 11—underscores its commitment to serving the continent.

United will be the first airline to offer direct flights between the U.S. and Adelaide. The new service will operate three times weekly, also on the airline’s long-haul workhorse, the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

Photo: Adelaide, Australia. Courtesy of rawkkim / Unsplash

The new flight will be strategically timed for the Australian summer, a peak travel season for leisure and business travelers.

The addition of Adelaide to its network means that United now serves four major Australian cities—Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Adelaide—giving U.S. travelers more options than ever before.

Adelaide, known for its vibrant arts scene, renowned wine regions, and stunning coastline, is a gateway to South Australia’s many attractions.

United’s expansion in Australia is complemented by its strong partnership with Virgin Australia, offering travelers greater connectivity across the country.

Increased Flexibility for Manila Travelers

To further enhance its transpacific network, United is adding a second daily flight between its hub in San Francisco (SFO) and Manila (MNL) starting October 25, providing travelers with greater flexibility in choosing between a daytime or evening departure.

Photo: Manila, Philippinew. Courtesy of Sean Yoro / Unsplash

As the only U.S. airline serving the Philippines, United has played a crucial role in connecting the growing Filipino-American community with their homeland. The increased frequency will cater to both business and leisure travelers, offering a more convenient schedule for those flying between the two nations.

The additional flight will be operated on a higher-capacity Boeing 777-300ER, providing a premium experience with United’s Polaris business class, Premium Plus, and Economy seating options.

Dominating in the Pacific

With the addition of these new routes, United will serve 32 different cities across the Pacific region—four times more than any other U.S. carrier. This expansion reinforces the airline’s leading position in long-haul international travel and strengthens its global network, which already includes approximately 500 daily flights to and from 150 international destinations.

Photo: Courtesy of United Airlines / Patrick Quayle / LinkedIn

Patrick Quayle, the airline’s Vice President of Global Network Planning and Alliances, highlighted the airline’s strategic vision: “At United, we’re changing the way people think about where they travel—by offering the greatest access to see and explore the world, whether it’s for relaxation, adventure, or business. We offer more than the best schedule and travel options—we connect customers to sought-after destinations and opportunities to explore new, vibrant cities.”

United’s transpacific expansion is also part of a broader strategy that has seen the airline announce new routes to Europe, Africa, and Central America for 2025. With each addition, United continues to improve international air travel, making far-flung destinations more accessible to American travelers.

A Year of Unprecedented Growth

United’s latest route expansion builds on the momentum generated by its October 2024 announcement, which marked the largest international growth in the airline’s history.

That announcement included first-time service to destinations like Nuuk, Greenland; Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia; Palermo, Italy; and Kaohsiung, Taiwan—solidifying United’s reputation as an airline willing to push boundaries and explore new frontiers.

Photo: Courtesy of United

“The world’s biggest airline is getting even bigger with the largest international expansion in our history. I’ve been a part of a lot of new route announcements in my career, but this is without question the coolest set of new routes we’ve ever announced,” said United CEO Scott Kirby.

What Next?

With a growing portfolio of international destinations, United’s aggressive expansion strategy positions it as the leader in long-haul travel from the U.S. Whether it’s exploring the bustling streets of Bangkok, diving into the cultural riches of Ho Chi Minh City, or experiencing the laid-back lifestyle of Adelaide, travelers now have more choices than ever before.

By combining strategic route planning with an extensive global network, United is not just adding flights—it’s shaping the future of air travel. As the airline continues to push into new territories and enhance connectivity across continents, one thing is certain: the world is getting smaller, and United is leading the way.