United Airlines Announces 13 New Long-Haul Destinations: Luxembourg, Ljubljana, Okinawa & More

United Airlines Newark

Among US carriers, United Airlines arguably boasts the most intriguing international network. The Star Alliance member operates a Pacific hub in Guam, flies to niche destinations like Mongolia, and serves dozens of cities across Europe. Now, the airline is expanding its global footprint even further.

United has unveiled 13 new long-haul routes—10 of which are brand-new additions to its network. For European travelers, this expansion brings exciting nonstop transatlantic connections to previously underserved secondary markets, including Luxembourg, Ljubljana, and several leisure hot spots across the Mediterranean. Beyond the Atlantic, United is also launching the first-ever nonstop flight connecting the US mainland to the Japanese island of Okinawa.

Across the Atlantic

A total of 11 of the 13 new routes cross the Atlantic, primarily centered around United’s major East Coast hub at Newark (New York). This expansion is powered in part by the new Airbus A321XLR. United recently took delivery of its first aircraft of this type and plans to roll it out on scheduled transatlantic routes starting this winter.

Several other routes will be operated using Boeing 767 widebodies. With the exception of flights to the Azores (operated on a Boeing 737 MAX), all new European routes will feature lie-flat seats in business class (United Polaris).

Here is an overview of the new transatlantic routes:

  • New York EWR – Luxembourg LUX:
    • Daily on Airbus A321XLR, starting April 2, 2027
  • Washington IAD – Toulouse TLS:
    • Daily on Airbus A321XLR, starting April 26, 2027
  • New York EWR – Ljubljana LJU:
    • 4x weekly on Boeing 767-400, starting May 12, 2027
  • New York EWR – Olbia OLB (Sardinia):
    • 3x weekly on Boeing 767-300, starting May 27, 2027
  • Denver DEN – Paris CDG:
    • Daily on Boeing 787-9, starting May 27, 2027
  • New York EWR – Catania CTA (Sicily):
    • 4x weekly on Boeing 767-300, starting May 28, 2027
  • Washington IAD – Milan MXP:
    • 3x weekly on Boeing 767-300, starting May 28, 2027
  • New York EWR – Ibiza IBZ:
    • 4x weekly on Airbus A321XLR, starting May 31, 2027
  • New York EWR – Valencia VLC:
    • 3x weekly on Airbus A321XLR, starting June 2, 2027
  • New York EWR – Marseille MRS:
    • Daily on Airbus A321XLR, starting June 4, 2027
  • New York EWR – Terceira TER (Azores):
    • 3x weekly on Boeing 737 MAX, starting June 9, 2027




While United hasn’t explicitly confirmed the exact seasonality for every route, several of these additions (such as Ibiza, Olbia, and Catania) are classic leisure destinations and will operate for the summer season only. There is also a shift in Spain: while flights to Tenerife South will not return next year, the additions of Ibiza and Valencia mean United will now serve an impressive total of eight Spanish airports directly from Newark.

Across the Pacific

Two new routes are joining the transpacific network. While the Los Angeles to Osaka service enters a competitive market alongside Japan Airlines, the new San Francisco to Okinawa route is historic—providing Okinawa with its very first true long-haul connection (previously, its longest international flights only reached Singapore and Bangkok).

  • San Francisco SFO – Okinawa OKA, Japan:
    • 3x weekly on Boeing 777-200, starting March 27, 2027
  • Los Angeles LAX – Osaka KIX:
    • Daily on Boeing 787-9, starting March 27, 2027


All Routes Already Available to Book

Tickets for all announced routes are already bookable on United.com. At launch, we have not spotted any standout introductory deals: round trips from Luxembourg to New York start around €650 in basic economy and reach a steep €4,000 in business class. Fares from Ljubljana are comparable, and award seat availability with Star Alliance partners has not yet fully opened up.

Source: United Airlines Press Release