United Airlines Expands Global Network with New Routes to Cebu, Medellin, and Marrakesh; Boosts Service to China

United Airlines is broadening its international reach with the introduction of three new routes, enhancing its service across Asia, South America, and Africa. This expansion reflects the airline’s strategy to connect diverse global destinations, facilitating travel for both leisure and business passengers.

Starting July 31, United will launch a year-round, nonstop service from Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT) to Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB) in the Philippines, marking its first fifth-freedom route from NRT. Utilizing Boeing 737-800 aircraft, this daily service will provide convenient connections for travelers from key U.S. cities including Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, New York Newark, and San Francisco, reinforcing United’s commitment to the Southeast Asian market.

In addition to its Asian expansion, United is set to initiate its inaugural service to Medellin, Colombia, from Houston Intercontinental Airport (IAH) starting October 27. Operating daily with Boeing 737 aircraft, this route will be the sole direct connection between Houston and Medellin, complementing United’s existing services to Bogota and enhancing links between the U.S. and Colombia’s vibrant regions.

United’s network growth extends to Africa with the launch of a new route from New York Newark (EWR) to Marrakesh, Morocco, beginning October 24. This thrice-weekly service, operated with Boeing 767-300ER aircraft, will establish a unique nonstop link to Marrakesh, joining Royal Air Maroc’s service to Casablanca as one of the few direct connections between the New York area and Morocco.

Alongside these new routes, United is significantly increasing its flights to China following a bilateral agreement to expand service frequencies. The airline will resume flights between Los Angeles and Shanghai with four weekly flights from August 29, escalating to daily service in late October, aboard Boeing 787-9 aircraft. This enhancement is part of a broader strategy to increase United’s presence in China, Hong Kong, and South Korea, including additional flights to Hong Kong and Seoul from the U.S.

Furthermore, United is set to offer a second daily flight between Newark and Porto, Portugal, from May 23, utilizing Boeing 757-200 aircraft, indicating the airline’s ongoing efforts to meet the rising demand for transatlantic travel.

United Airlines’ strategic network expansion and increased service frequencies underscore its commitment to providing passengers with greater flexibility, more travel options, and enhanced global connectivity.