United To Become Only U.S. Airline With Flights to Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City in Latest Pacific Expansion

Updated: April 2, 2025, 7:13am CDT

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United’s Big Expansion in the Pacific
Final Thoughts

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Chicago-based United Airlines has announced a significant network expansion focused on the Pacific. It includes both entirely new routes and increased capacity on existing ones.

Perhaps most exciting, however, is that United will become the first U.S. airline to offer nonstop service to Bangkok, Thailand, and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam — though there’s a twist.

Let’s take a look at all the exciting details.

United’s Big Expansion in the Pacific

United is leading the way among U.S. carriers when it comes to its Pacific network. The carrier already offers service to cities that neither American Airlines nor Delta serves. In fact, the airline says with these new routes, it will serve 32 unique destinations in the Pacific — 4 times more than any other U.S. carrier, according to United.

“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,” said Patrick Quayle, senior vice president of global network planning and alliances at United. “We offer more than the best schedule and travel options — we connect customers to sought-after destinations and opportunities to explore new, vibrant cities.”

Here’s what you need to know about the new and expanded United services.

Bangkok, Thailand

United will become the first U.S. airline to offer flights to the Thai capital when it begins daily flights on October 26, 2025. However, these flights won’t touch the United States. Instead, United will fly to Bangkok (BKK) from Hong Kong (HKG) with its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

Sukhumvit Road Bangkok — Bangkok is the bustling, dynamic capital city of Thailand. Image Credit: Nick Ellis

The addition of this route provides another nonstop option for local travelers flying between the 2 cities and opens up easy connections from both Los Angeles (LAX) and San Francisco (SFO) — both of which offer United flights to Hong Kong.

According to a United press release, flights between Hong Kong and Bangkok will go on sale “at a later date.”

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

United will also become the first U.S. carrier to serve Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (SGN), when it launches daily flights from Hong Kong on October 26, 2025. The route will be operated with the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and will provide a nonstop option for local traffic between the 2 cities, as well as easier connections from across North America via Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Flights between Hong Kong and Ho Chi Minh City are not yet on sale, but they will be soon.

Adelaide, Australia

United will offer 3 nonstop flights per week between its hub in San Francisco (SFO) and Adelaide (ADL) starting on December 11, 2025. This will make it the only U.S. airline to offer nonstop service between the U.S. and the South Australian city.

The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner will operate the route. United also serves Brisbane (BNE), Melbourne (MEL), and Sydney (SYD) nonstop from the U.S.

Tickets on the San Francisco-Adelaide route are now on sale at United’s website and its mobile app (iOS, Android).

Manila, Philippines

While not a new destination for United, the airline will add a second daily frequency from San Francisco as of October 25, 2025. The additional nonstop flight will be operated by the Boeing 777-300ER and will give flyers daytime and evening departure options.

Tickets are on sale now at United’s website and mobile app.

Hot Tip:

Want to learn how to book your next United flight with miles? Find out all there is to know about the United MileagePlus program in our full guide.

Final Thoughts

United has certainly made a splash with its latest network expansion in the Pacific. While flights to Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City aren’t nonstop from the U.S., it’s big news that United is adding them to its route map, given that no other U.S. carrier flies to either of these cities.

United’s all-new route to Adelaide boosts its already strong presence in Australia, and the addition of an extra Manila flight from San Francisco indicates that the route is performing well for the airline.

United has made a big push in the Pacific in recent years, and it’s showing no signs of slowing down. We can only hope that United has more up its sleeve for its Pacific network in the not-too-distant future.