United Airlines has removed two new international routes from its planned summer 2024 schedule amid a U.S. FAA review of its activities, prompted by a series of operational incidents.
The carrier initially intended to launch flights between Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and Faro, Portugal, on May 24, operating four times per week. However, the route has been dropped from the Star Alliance member’s network and is now only expected to start during summer 2025.
Additionally, the launch of a fifth-freedom service connecting Tokyo Narita and Cebu, Philippines—which was only announced in March—has been pushed back by three months. Operations were slated to begin on July 31, flying daily using Boeing 737-800 aircraft, but reservations are now only available from Oct. 27.
A United spokesperson confirmed that the network changes are the direct result of an FAA review that will check the airline’s compliance with safety regulations after a series of incidents.
The agency said on March 22 that it was increasing oversight of United to ensure that it is complying with safety regulations; identifying hazards and mitigating risk; and effectively managing safety. It added that “certification activities in process may be allowed to continue, but future projects may be delayed based on findings from oversight.”
The move follows several incidents, including the discovery of a missing panel during post-landing inspection on a 737 at Medford Airport in Oregon on March 15 and the loss of a wheel from a 777 departing San Francisco on March 7.
While none of these incidents resulted in reported injuries and were not considered unusual, when viewed collectively, the FAA believes they indicate a need for a closer examination of United's organization-wide safety management programs.
United announced plans to open seasonal service between EWR and Faro Airport last October, designed to complement its existing year-round service between EWR and Portugal’s capital Lisbon.
The Tokyo Narita-Cebu route was unveiled in March alongside new flights between Houston and Medellin, Colombia, and between EWR and Marrakesh, Morocco. A United spokesperson confirmed the latter two new routes are planned to launch as scheduled.
Customers affected by the Faro or Cebu delays can receive a full refund, or travel can be rebooked on one of United’s partner airlines without a fee.
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