United Airlines Adds New Routes to Edmonton, Competes with WestJet
United Airlines is expanding its network with two new routes to Edmonton International Airport in Canada, set to launch next summer. The new services will directly compete with a similar offering from WestJet, creating more options for travelers between the U.S. and Canada.
Starting May 22, 2025, United will begin operating flights between Chicago O’Hare International Airport and Edmonton, with three weekly flights through October 25. The service will be operated using Airbus A319 aircraft. Additionally, United will resume flights from Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport to Edmonton, with service starting two days later, running four times per week year-round.
These two new routes represent the resumption of services United previously operated—Chicago-Edmonton was last served in June 2016, and Houston-Edmonton was suspended in March 2020, according to data from OAG Schedules Analyser.
“We are excited to build on our partnership with Air Canada and offer customers even more choices across the transborder network,” said Mark Weithofer, Managing Director of Domestic Network at United.
The timing of United’s re-entry into the Chicago-Edmonton market coincides with WestJet’s announcement to begin flights between the two cities in summer 2025. WestJet will operate its service from June 4 through October 22, 2025, also with three weekly flights, creating direct competition between the two carriers.
In addition to its new route to Edmonton, WestJet also unveiled plans to introduce another U.S. route next summer, connecting Vancouver and Austin, Texas, starting May 11, 2025. This service will run three times per week, directly competing with Air Canada’s seasonal service on the same route, which will operate four times a week.
As of November 2024, WestJet is the second-largest airline in terms of capacity between Canada and the U.S., with a 17.1% market share. Air Canada leads the sector with a 43% share, while United holds the third position with 11.5%.
United’s new services to Edmonton are part of broader changes to its North American network. The airline will also introduce a new 14X-weekly Washington Dulles to Manchester/Boston service starting March 30, 2025, operated by CommuteAir under the United Express brand using Embraer ERJ145 aircraft.
However, United is making some adjustments to its U.S. domestic network, including suspending three routes from Newark Liberty International Airport. Starting March 29, 2025, United will cease its double-daily services to Albany, Manchester/Boston, and Providence, which are operated by GoJet for United Express.
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