United goes big for summer 2024; MSP gets a new international destination

United Airlines is shaking up its 2025 international route network with bold expansions from its Newark and Tokyo Narita hubs, as noted by Cranky Flier. From United’s Newark fortress, the carrier adds five new summer seasonal routes to hard-to-reach destinations, including Bilbao, Faro, Madeira, Nuuk, and Palermo. These locations often lack well-timed connectivity from the U.S., making United's nonstop flights particularly appealing.

Meanwhile, United is reinvigorating its Tokyo Narita hub, launching new flights to Kaohsiung (Taiwan), Palau, and Ulaanbaatar (Mongolia) using 737-800s. These routes, largely untouched by United’s joint venture partner ANA, provide unique connectivity within Asia. Ulaanbaatar, in particular, is an intriguing addition, offering a new option for bucket list travelers previously routed through Beijing or Seoul.

United is also adding other noteworthy routes: Washington Dulles will see service to Dakar, Nice, and Venice, while Houston will add Puerto Escondido, and San Francisco will connect with San José in Costa Rica.

These moves underscore United's strategy to expand its global footprint and assert itself as the U.S.’s flag carrier. With more routes likely in the future, including those leveraging the upcoming A321XLR, the airline is positioning itself for continued growth.

Meanwhile Horizon’s hometown, MSP, sees Delta launch its first-ever nonstop to Copenhagen (CPH) starting May 2025. This new route, three times a week, enhances Delta’s Europe network, supported by its new codeshare partnership with Scandinavian Airlines (SAS). Delta aims to boost transatlantic travel and business ties between the U.S. and Scandinavia, offering MSP travelers access to seven European destinations, further expanding its presence in the region.