United Airlines announced its Pacific network’s boldest expansion in over a decade in a watershed moment for international aviation. In an extraordinary move set to reshape transpacific travel, United will become the first U.S. airline in history to launch nonstop service between the continental United States and Adelaide, Australia, starting December 11, 2025.
This pioneering initiative firmly places Adelaide—long a hidden gem among global destinations—on the U.S. travel map while bolstering United’s claim as the unrivaled leader in long-haul routes across the Pacific.
Simultaneously, United is intensifying its reach into Southeast Asia with daily new flights to Bangkok, Thailand, and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, launching from Hong Kong in October. These routes, coupled with an added daily flight to Manila, Philippines, elevate United’s total Pacific destinations to a record-breaking 32 cities—four times more than any other U.S. airline.
“At United, we’re redefining what global access looks like,” said Patrick Quayle, United’s Senior Vice President of Global Network Planning and Alliances. “We’re not just flying to destinations—we’re opening gateways to discovery, connection, and opportunity.”
✈ Adelaide’s Star Rises: Direct U.S. Service Breaks New Ground
United’s upcoming three-times-weekly nonstop flights from San Francisco to Adelaide will be operated using the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, a long-range aircraft renowned for comfort and fuel efficiency. The new route marks a historic milestone: no other U.S. carrier has flown directly to Adelaide.
This strategic launch positions United as the only airline to offer direct service between the U.S. and four Australian cities: Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, and now, Adelaide.
For American travelers, Adelaide offers a rare blend of world-class wine regions, untouched natural beauty, and cultural charm. From tasting Shiraz in the Barossa Valley to sampling artisan cheeses at the bustling Adelaide Central Market and witnessing the wild beauty of Kangaroo Island, this southern city offers something distinctly Australian—and distinctly welcoming.
United’s existing partnership with Virgin Australia ensures that once travelers arrive in Adelaide, their journey across the continent is seamless and well-supported by a reliable domestic network.
“There’s a timeless magic to Adelaide,” said Quayle. “And now, for the first time, it’s just a single flight away for Americans eager to experience the soul of South Australia.”
🕌 Bangkok Beckons: Only U.S. Carrier with Direct Access via Hong Kong
Starting October 26, United will launch daily flights to Bangkok, becoming the sole U.S. airline to do so. Leveraging one-stop connections via Hong Kong from Los Angeles and San Francisco, this route enables efficient travel to Thailand’s bustling capital—home to a mesmerizing mix of spirituality, flavor, and history.
United’s move taps into the growing demand for immersive travel across Asia, and Bangkok stands as a jewel in that crown. Travelers can explore the grandeur of Wat Phra Kaew, cruise the Chao Phraya River, ride a tuk-tuk through back alleys, and indulge in world-famous Thai street food, from pad kra pao to mango sticky rice.
“Our Pacific expansion isn’t just about routes,” added Quayle. “It’s about enriching journeys. We’re connecting travelers to cultures and cuisines they’ve only dreamed of experiencing.”
🇻🇳 Ho Chi Minh City: U.S. Travelers Now One Flight Away from Vietnam’s Pulse
On the same day as its Bangkok launch, United will also inaugurate daily Dreamliner service to Ho Chi Minh City, opening a vital bridge between the U.S. and Vietnam’s economic and cultural heart. Again, this route will utilize optimized Hong Kong connections, reflecting United’s deep network planning expertise.
Visitors to Ho Chi Minh City—still affectionately called Saigon by many—will be swept up in a whirlwind of activity. From the elegant Saigon Opera House to French-colonial architecture, scooter rides through labyrinthine streets, pho from open-air vendors, and an electric microbrewery scene, Vietnam’s largest city is a dynamic destination for tourists and business travelers.
“This is about more than geography,” Quayle noted. “It’s about making a growing region more accessible and opening new corridors of commerce and culture.”
🇵🇭 Manila Gets a Boost: Second Daily Flight Offers Day and Night Flexibility
In response to surging demand, United will introduce a second daily flight between San Francisco and Manila starting October 25. This move enhances flexibility, giving travelers the choice between daytime or evening departures in both directions—an amenity travelers have long desired.
The Manila route will be operated with the wide-body Boeing 777-300ER, offering enhanced cabin space and modern in-flight comforts. United remains the only U.S. carrier to serve both Manila and Cebu, strengthening ties with one of Asia’s most dynamic island nations.
Whether visiting Fort Santiago, shopping at the Mall of Asia, or taking a scenic side trip to the Taal Volcano, American travelers are increasingly drawn to the Philippines for business and leisure.
🌏 Leading the Pacific: United’s Global Network Reaches New Heights
With these additions, United cements its position as the largest U.S. airline operating across the Pacific, offering unmatched access to 32 regional cities. This represents quadruple the reach of any other U.S. airline—a bold testament to United’s vision for global leadership.
The airline’s robust international operations now include 500 daily flights to over 150 global destinations, including extensive coverage across the Asia-Pacific corridor. Its expansive transpacific offerings serve over six million leisure and business passengers annually, underscoring its unrivaled international footprint.
Tickets for the Adelaide and Manila routes are available now at United.com and through your professional travel advisor. Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City flights will go on sale shortly, pending government approvals.
✈ The Future of Global Travel Is Here—And It Starts with United
In a fast-changing world, United is anchoring its legacy in something enduring: connection. These new routes are not simply about air miles or new maps—they’re about forging bonds between people, ideas, and industries. From wine country in South Australia to the bustling streets of Bangkok, United is making the far corners of the globe feel just a little closer.
As the airline industry embraces the next chapter of recovery and resurgence, United has made its stance unmistakably clear: The Pacific belongs to pioneers—and it’s a path they’re proud to lead.
Written by Michelle Warner
