United Airlines Expands Asia-Pacific Network with New Flights to Thailand, Vietnam and Australia
The U.S. carrier adds daily Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City services via Hong Kong and a direct San Francisco–Adelaide link to strengthen Pacific connectivity
United Airlines is significantly expanding its Asia-Pacific footprint with a suite of new international services that reflect growing demand for travel between North America and key destinations in Southeast Asia and Australia.
As part of the airline’s latest network strategy, United will reintroduce daily flights to Bangkok, Thailand and launch daily service to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam beginning October 26, 2025, using fifth-freedom rights from Hong Kong International Airport.
These routes will operate as extensions of existing services from major U.S. hubs such as Los Angeles and San Francisco, offering seamless connectivity for travellers across its global network.
The new Bangkok service marks the first U.S. carrier presence in the Thai capital in more than a decade, a milestone that dovetails with renewed confidence in Thailand’s aviation sector and efforts to boost inbound tourism.
On the Vietnam front, the Ho Chi Minh City link will similarly enhance connections between the United States and Vietnam’s commercial hub, responding to robust leisure and business travel demand.
Both routes will be operated with United’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, configured to provide long-haul comfort on these extended city pairs.
Beyond Southeast Asia, United is also adding a direct route between San Francisco International Airport and Adelaide Airport in South Australia, set to begin December 11, 2025, with three weekly Boeing 787-9 flights.
This new service will establish the airline as the only U.S. carrier to offer nonstop flights between the United States and Adelaide, further diversifying trans-Pacific travel options and supporting international tourism and business links.
In addition to these network expansions, United plans to increase frequencies on other Asia-Pacific routes, including a second daily flight between San Francisco and Manila in the Philippines.
Together, these developments represent a strategic effort by the carrier to capture rising passenger demand and provide greater access to vibrant global destinations while reinforcing its position as a leading U.S. airline for international travel.
As part of the airline’s latest network strategy, United will reintroduce daily flights to Bangkok, Thailand and launch daily service to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam beginning October 26, 2025, using fifth-freedom rights from Hong Kong International Airport.
These routes will operate as extensions of existing services from major U.S. hubs such as Los Angeles and San Francisco, offering seamless connectivity for travellers across its global network.
The new Bangkok service marks the first U.S. carrier presence in the Thai capital in more than a decade, a milestone that dovetails with renewed confidence in Thailand’s aviation sector and efforts to boost inbound tourism.
On the Vietnam front, the Ho Chi Minh City link will similarly enhance connections between the United States and Vietnam’s commercial hub, responding to robust leisure and business travel demand.
Both routes will be operated with United’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, configured to provide long-haul comfort on these extended city pairs.
Beyond Southeast Asia, United is also adding a direct route between San Francisco International Airport and Adelaide Airport in South Australia, set to begin December 11, 2025, with three weekly Boeing 787-9 flights.
This new service will establish the airline as the only U.S. carrier to offer nonstop flights between the United States and Adelaide, further diversifying trans-Pacific travel options and supporting international tourism and business links.
In addition to these network expansions, United plans to increase frequencies on other Asia-Pacific routes, including a second daily flight between San Francisco and Manila in the Philippines.
Together, these developments represent a strategic effort by the carrier to capture rising passenger demand and provide greater access to vibrant global destinations while reinforcing its position as a leading U.S. airline for international travel.
