United Airlines is set to launch its most significant global expansion to date, introducing new routes and destinations across the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. The initiative, marking the largest international expansion in the company's 100-year history, includes the addition of new direct flights from California to two key Japanese cities.
Beginning in March 2027, United will offer daily direct flights from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Osaka, Japan. This marks the first time an American airline will service this route. Additionally, starting in March 2027 and running through October, the airline will operate three weekly flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Okinawa, a tropical island destination.
New Transpacific and European Routes
Beyond Japan, United is expanding its reach with several new international services. For the winter season, from December to March, SFO will also have three direct flights weekly to Sapporo, Hokkaido, a region known for its skiing and snowboarding. The airline also plans to resume its three-times-a-week service from SFO to Tel Aviv, Israel, starting March 28, following a suspension due to regional conflict.
The expansion encompasses 10 new destinations and 13 new international routes across Europe and the Pacific. New European destinations include Toulouse, France; Luxembourg City; Marseille, France; Ibiza, Spain; Valencia, Spain; Terceira, Portugal; Ljubljana, Slovenia; Olbia, Sardinia; and Catania, Sicily. Specific new routes mentioned include a daily nonstop service between Denver and Paris, commencing in May, and three weekly flights from Washington, D.C. to Milan, Italy.
United stated that these new routes are part of a broader strategy to offer a destination for every traveler. Patrick Quayle, Senior Vice President of Global Network Planning and Alliances, noted that the airline has added flights to nearly 60 new international cities over the past decade. "We aim to have a destination on our route map for every traveler, at every stage of their lives," Quayle said. Scott Kirby, CEO of United Airlines, added, "We offer the most flights across the Atlantic and Pacific and Newark is the best Atlantic gateway in the country."
The surge in interest in Japan, partly attributed to the popularity of figures like baseball player Shohei Ohtani, is a contributing factor to the expansion of these transpacific routes. United aims to make global travel more accessible, connecting cultures and providing options for business trips, honeymoons, adventure travel, and family visits.