United Launches New International Flights for Fall

United Airlines is once again expanding its international route offerings.

The Chicago-based airline has just revealed three new international destinations and plans to increase flight frequency to existing locations.

Later this year, the airline will start nonstop flights to Medellín, Colombia; Marrakech, Morocco; and Cebu, Philippines. Overall, these new routes will elevate United’s nonstop service to a total of 134 international destinations across 67 countries.

Here’s everything you need to know about the new and expanding flight routes.

Marrakech, Morocco

Starting October 24, 2024, travelers will have the opportunity to fly directly from New York’s Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) in Morocco. These flights will operate three times weekly on Boeing 767-300ER aircraft, equipped with 46 Polaris business-class pods, 22 Premium Plus recliners, 43 Economy Plus extra-legroom seats, and 56 standard economy seats. Departures from Newark are scheduled for 12:45 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, arriving in Morocco the next day at 11:20 a.m. (local time). The return flights will leave Morocco at 1:20 p.m. on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, landing in Newark at 4:25 p.m. (local time).

According to United, this route will be available through mid-spring 2025. Tickets are not yet available for booking, as they are still pending government approval.

Medellín, Colombia

Beginning October 27, 2024, United Airlines will launch nonstop flights from Houston’s George Bush International Airport (IAH) to José María Córdova International Airport (MDE) in Medellín, Colombia. These daily services will utilize Boeing 737-8 Max aircraft, departing Houston at 4:29 p.m. and landing in Medellín at 10:05 p.m. (local time). For the return journey, flights will leave Medellín at 10:45 a.m. and arrive in Texas at 2:38 p.m. Tickets for this route will become available once United secures government approval, although a specific date for this approval has not been announced.

While this marks United's inaugural flight service to Medellín, the airline already operates flights to Bogotá from both Houston and Newark.

Cebu, Philippines

With the commencement of United's service to Cebu City on October 27, 2024, it will become the sole U.S. airline offering flights to this vibrant Philippine city, known for its stunning white-sand beaches, waterfalls, and exceptional diving opportunities. Notably, this nonstop service will not originate from the U.S.; instead, it will depart from Tokyo's Narita International Airport, which can be accessed via direct flights from Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Newark, and San Francisco.

This daily, year-round route will utilize Boeing 737-800 aircraft, with flights taking off from Tokyo at 5:25 p.m. and landing in Cebu at 9:35 p.m. (total travel time of 5 hours and 10 minutes, accounting for the time difference). The return flight will depart Cebu at 9:15 a.m., arriving in Tokyo at 3:20 p.m. local time.

Additionally, the airline operates a direct flight from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) in Manila, Philippines.

More United International Flights

In addition to the three new routes, United has revealed plans to enhance service to high-demand destinations, including:

• Newark to Porto, Portugal: A second daily flight will commence on May 23.
• Los Angeles to Hong Kong: A second daily flight will start on October 26.
• San Francisco to Seoul, South Korea: A second daily flight will begin on October 27.
• Los Angeles to Shanghai: From August 29, there will be four weekly flights (on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday), with return flights scheduled for every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.

United has shown a strong interest in adding routes to emerging cities in recent years. In December 2023, the airline introduced the only nonstop service from the United States to Christchurch, New Zealand. However, a direct flight to Faro, Portugal, which was set to launch this spring, has been delayed until summer 2025. Affected customers will receive a full refund or be rebooked on a partner airline at no additional charge.