United Grows its Leading Pacific Network with New Flights to Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Adelaide and Manila

Rhea-AI Summary

United Airlines (UAL) has announced significant expansion of its Pacific network, becoming the only U.S. airline to offer flights to Bangkok, Thailand and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam with daily service launching in October 2025 from Hong Kong. The airline will also introduce the first-ever nonstop service from the U.S. to Adelaide, Australia, operating three times weekly from San Francisco starting December 11.

Additionally, United is adding a second daily flight between San Francisco and Manila beginning October 25, offering both daytime and evening travel options. With these new routes, United will serve 32 destinations across the Pacific - four times more than any other U.S. carrier. The new flights will operate on Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and 777-300ER aircraft.

Positive

• First U.S. airline to offer flights to Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City
• Launching first-ever nonstop U.S. service to Adelaide
• Doubling San Francisco-Manila frequency with second daily flight
• Largest Pacific network among U.S. carriers with 32 destinations
• Served over six million Pacific region passengers in the past year

Negative

• New routes subject to government approval
• Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City tickets not yet available for sale

Insights

Airline Industry Analyst

United Airlines' Pacific network expansion represents a significant strategic growth initiative with substantial competitive implications. By becoming the only U.S. airline offering service to Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City, and the first to provide nonstop flights to Adelaide, United is establishing unique market positioning that competitors cannot easily replicate in the near term.

This expansion increases United's Pacific destination count to 32 cities – reportedly four times more than any other U.S. carrier – reinforcing its network density advantage in a high-yield region. The timing is particularly strategic: launching Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City service in October captures the start of peak tourism season, while the December Adelaide launch aligns perfectly with Australian summer.

From a competitive standpoint, these exclusive routes create valuable differentiation in an industry where route networks are key competitive advantages. United's ability to offer one-stop connections from its West Coast hubs enhances the value proposition for travelers across North America, potentially driving higher load factors and yields. The expansion also strengthens United's position within Star Alliance, creating additional feed opportunities with partner airlines in Asia-Pacific markets.

This network growth demonstrates management's confidence in sustained demand for international travel and their commitment to deploying aircraft toward higher-margin international operations versus domestic routes. For investors, this expansion signals United's aggressive growth strategy and focus on establishing dominant positions in strategic international markets with strong premium demand potential.

United will become the only U.S. airline to offer flights to Bangkok, Thailand and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; daily service launches this October from Hong Kong with one-stop connections from Los Angeles and San Francisco

United will offer the first nonstop service to Adelaide, Australia from the U.S.; the three-times weekly flights begin in December from San Francisco

The airline also adds a second daily flight between San Francisco and Manila starting in October, giving customers daytime and evening travel options in both directions  

With these additions, United will offer flights to 32 destinations across the Pacific, reinforcing its status as the world's largest airline** with the greatest breadth of destinations for customers

CHICAGO, April 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- United today announced it intends to be the only U.S. airline to offer flights to Bangkok, Thailand, and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, with new daily service from Hong Kong planned to start this fall*. These new flights will be scheduled to offer easier connections for travelers from across North America to help meet the growing demand for travel to these destinations.

Starting December 11, United will launch the first nonstop flights between the U.S. and Adelaide, Australia – just in time for the Australian summer. With the addition of this three times weekly seasonal service, United is now the leading carrier to Australia from the continental U.S., also offering flights to Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne.

In addition, United is also adding a second daily flight between San Francisco and Manila. Starting on October 25, travelers from both cities will have the option of a daytime or evening flight for greater convenience. United is the only U.S. airline to serve the Philippines, with service to both Manila and Cebu.

With these new routes, United will now offer flights from the U.S. to 32 different cities in the Pacific region – four times that of any other U.S. carrier – further cementing its status as the world's largest airline** with the most extensive international network.

"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," said Patrick Quayle, Senior Vice President, Global Network Planning and Alliances at United. "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 is the world's leading carrier across the Pacific**; in the past year alone, the airline served more than six million business and leisure passengers in the Pacific region.

Tickets for the Adelaide and the new Manila flights are on sale now on United.com and on the United app. Tickets for Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City flights will be available for sale at a later date.

Bangkok, Thailand

United will be the only U.S. airline to offer daily flights to Bangkok starting October 26. The flights will operate on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and allow a mix of local and international travelers to explore the city's deep history.

Known for mixing vibrancy and tradition, there is plenty to explore in Bangkok. Customers can see hundreds of ancient temples like Wat Phra Kaew (The Temple of the Emerald Buddha) and Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn), check out Lumpini Park – a green oasis amid the bustling cityscape, ride in a tuk-tuk around the city, sample street food like mango sticky rice, boat noodles, and gai tod, and finish the evening walking through Srinagarindra Train Night Market filled with local eats, lights, live bands and bars.

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Beginning October 26, United will be the only U.S. airline to offer daily flights to Ho Chi Minh City. The flights will operate on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and allow a mix of local and international travelers to explore the city's deep history.

Customers visiting can enjoy notable sites like The Saigon Opera House and Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica, scooter through rice field paths, try amazing Vietnamese flavors from open-air pho stalls and local street vendors, enjoy the bursting microbrewery scene, and much more.

Adelaide, Australia

United will become the first carrier to offer nonstop service between the U.S. and Adelaide* with its nonstop three-times weekly seasonal service from San Francisco starting on December 11. The flight will operate on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and builds on United's leading network coverage, making United the only airline to offer nonstop service between the U.S. and four major cities in Australia. These routes, combined with the airline's partnership with Virgin Australia, offer travelers more choice and access across the country.

Adelaide offers U.S. travelers the chance to escape the cold and visit renowned wine regions like Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale, experience the stunning natural beauty of Kangaroo Island, and taste the region's impeccable produce while exploring stands from more than 70 local traders at the Adelaide Central Markets – one of the largest fresh produce markets in the Southern Hemisphere.

Manila, Philippines

On October 25, United will begin flying its second flight between San Francisco and Manila*, bringing U.S. travelers more flexibility between day and evening flights when traveling to the Philippines. The flight will be operated on a Boeing 777-300ER.

Customers can visit historic sites like San Agustin and Fort Santiago, try local Filipino foods like kwek-kwek, turon, and halo-halo from street vendors , shop at one of the largest malls in Asia – the Mall of Asia, take in art and history at some of the country's national museums housed in Manila, or make a day trip to Tagaytay and cruise by boat to see the stunning Taal Volcano – a natural wonder set on its own island.

United's Growing Global Reach

United has the largest network in the world**, including the largest international network from North America, which it continues to expand at an industry-leading pace. The airline offers approximately 500 daily flights to and from 150 international destinations for travelers around the world. This expansion reinforces United's commitment to growing its network and bringing travelers to new destinations. The airline is also gearing up to kick off its highly anticipated Summer 2025 schedule that was announced last October.

* Subject to government approval 
** As measured by available seat miles 

About United

At United, Good Leads The Way. With U.S. hubs in Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, New York/Newark, San Francisco and Washington, D.C., United operates the most comprehensive global route network among North American carriers, and is now the largest airline in the world as measured by available seat miles. For more about how to join the United team, please visit www.united.com/careers and more information about the company is at www.united.com. United Airlines Holdings, Inc., the parent company of United Airlines, Inc., is traded on the Nasdaq under the symbol "UAL".

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SOURCE United Airlines

FAQ

When will United Airlines (UAL) launch its new Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City flights in 2025?

United will launch daily flights to both Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City from Hong Kong starting October 26, 2025.

What aircraft will United Airlines (UAL) use for its new Adelaide route?

United will operate the Adelaide route using Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.

How many Pacific destinations will United Airlines (UAL) serve after these new routes?

United will serve 32 Pacific destinations, four times more than any other U.S. carrier.

When does United Airlines (UAL) start its second daily San Francisco-Manila flight?

The second daily San Francisco-Manila flight begins on October 25, 2025, using Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.

How frequently will United Airlines (UAL) operate its new Adelaide service?

United will operate the Adelaide service three times weekly as a seasonal route, starting December 11.