United Airlines announced plans today to launch service to three new destinations in Asia. For two of the three cities, United will be the only U.S. airline offering service on the routes.
United Adds Three New Destinations in Asia
The airline has announced an exciting expansion of its global network, introducing new daily flights from Hong Kong (HKG) to Bangkok, Thailand (BKK), and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (SGN), set to begin this fall. According to the airline, this allows it to meet the growing demand for travel to these popular destinations, providing easier connections for travelers across North America.
The new flights are part of United’s ongoing effort to broaden its international service options and offer greater accessibility to destinations in Asia.
In addition to the new flights to Southeast Asia, United is also making waves in the Australian market. Beginning December 11, 2025, the airline will launch the first-ever nonstop flights between the United States, via its San Francisco (SFO) hub, and Adelaide, Australia (ADL).
The service will operate three times weekly, just in time for the Australian summer, providing a direct link for travelers heading down under. With this addition, United becomes the leading carrier to Australia from the U.S., complementing its existing flights to Sydney (SYD), Brisbane (BNE), and Melbourne (MEL).
All three of these new routes will be operated using Boeing 787-9 aircraft. United’s 787-9s feature 48 Business Class seats, 21 Premium Economy seats, 39 Extra-Legroom Economy seats, and 149 Economy seats.
Flights will operate on the following schedule:
| Flight | Departure | Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| UA822 (HKG-BKK) | 9:00a | 10:50a |
| UA821 (BKK-HKG) | 4:40p | 8:45p |
| UA152 (HKG-SGN) | 9:15p | 10:55p |
| UA153 (SGN-HKG) | 6:00a | 9:35a |
| UA207 (SFO-ADL) | 11:05p | 9:30a (+2) |
| UA208 (ADL-SFO) | 2:55p | 11:15a |
Manila Gets Expanded Service
United is also adding a second daily flight between San Francisco (SFO) and Manila (MNL). Beginning October 25, travelers from both cities will have the option to take either a daytime or evening flight. United is the only U.S. airline to serve the Philippines, with service to both Manila and Cebu.
The additional frequency will be operated by Boeing 777-300ER aircraft featuring 60 Business Class seats, 24 Premium Economy seats, 62 Extra-Legroom Economy seats, and 204 Economy seats.
United Beefs Up Its Prescence Across the Pacific
With the addition of these new routes, United will serve 32 different cities in the Pacific region which, according to the carrier, is four times that of any other U.S. carrier. Patrick Quayle, Senior Vice President, Global Network Planning and Alliances at United, had this to say about the launch of the new routes:
“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. We offer more than the best schedule and travel options – we connect customers to sought after destinations and opportunities to explore new, vibrant cities.”
Tickets for the new Adelaide flight and the additional Manila frequencies can be booked via United.com. Tickets to Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City flights are expected to be available for sale at a later date.
Summary
United Airlines is adding three new destinations to its route map and adding additional frequencies on a fourth. The new routes come as the carrier continues to take delivery of new aircraft and redeploys its wide-body capacity during the winter months.
