United Airlines has received approval from the U.S. Department of Transportation to expand its route network into Asia, marking a significant development in the airline’s international strategy. The newly authorized flights will see United extend its existing Los Angeles to Hong Kong service to two new destinations Bangkok, Thailand, and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. These additions are classified as fifth freedom flights, a designation that allows an airline to operate between two foreign cities as part of a longer route that begins or ends in its home country.
The new flights are set to launch around October 26, 2025, aligning with the start of the aviation industry’s winter season schedule. United has a 10-day grace period around this date, meaning it must commence the services by November 5 to retain the rights. The flights will be operated year-round using Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, though United has requested seasonal flexibility to reduce the frequency during off-peak periods. This could see the routes scaled back to three or four flights per week when demand wanes.
With these new routes, United becomes the only U.S. passenger airline flying to both Thailand and Vietnam, underscoring its ambition to cement its position as the leading transpacific carrier. The expansion follows a broader push by United to increase its presence in Asia-Pacific, including new and existing services to other destinations such as the Philippines and Australia.
The move is also a response to growing travel demand in the region. Interest in Thailand, for instance, has been buoyed by the popularity of the TV series “The White Lotus,” which has amplified the appeal of Bangkok as a cultural and travel hotspot. Vietnam, while not benefiting from similar pop culture exposure, has nonetheless seen impressive tourism growth. In 2024, the country surpassed Singapore in international visitor numbers, recording 17.5 million arrivals.
Vietnam is also considering the introduction of more flexible visa regulations, including a proposed “golden visa” system to attract high-net-worth travelers. These developments could further support United’s decision to launch services to Ho Chi Minh City, as the country aims to reach 23 million foreign visitors in 2025.
In addition to its Southeast Asia expansion, United has announced a new service from San Francisco to Adelaide, Australia, scheduled to begin on December 11. This route will complement the airline’s existing connections to Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Moreover, United is enhancing its Manila service by adding a second daily flight, providing both daytime and nighttime options.
United’s CEO has pointed to ongoing challenges in securing aircraft and airport slots as a key factor shaping the company’s international strategy. The airline sees long-haul international routes as a strong investment area, given current supply constraints and rising global demand.
This latest round of expansions reflects United’s broader strategy of targeting underserved or non-traditional destinations, aiming to capture new markets and diversify its global footprint. Recent route launches to destinations such as Palma de Mallorca, Marrakech, and upcoming additions like Ulaanbaatar and Nuuk demonstrate a shift toward unique travel experiences.
As United continues to broaden its international network, these new Asia routes will play a crucial role in strengthening its competitive edge in the global aviation market.
