United To Launch New Transatlantic Route, Boost North America Flying

United Airlines will open a seasonal transatlantic route between Chicago and Athens in May, one of several new services announced by the carrier as part of a summer schedule that also places an emphasis on flights to Alaska and Canada.

Flights to Greece’s capital will commence on May 17, operating daily through Aug. 12. The Star Alliance member will deploy Boeing 787-8s on the 5,447-mi. (4,733-nm) route.

United will become the second carrier to operate nonstop between Chicago O’Hare International Airport and Athens International Airport, going head-to-head with American Airlines. Data provided by OAG Schedules Analyser shows that American’s seasonal service will resume on May 6, flying daily onboard 787-9s.

The route also marks United’s third seasonal service to Athens alongside flights from Newark Liberty International Airport, slated to resume on March 30, and from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), which will restart on April 14. Both routes will operate daily.

In addition to the new European connection, United has announced a seasonal service between IAD and Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) in May. The carrier plans to operate 150 daily flights between the U.S. and Canada on its 2024 summer season schedule, with all seven of its U.S. hubs connecting to Canada. It will also offer its “largest schedule to Alaska in the past decade,” United says.

The carrier will start daily seasonal service between IAD and ANC from May 23 using a 737-8. Additionally, United will resume daily seasonal service between IAD and Vancouver International Airport from May 2, also using a 737-8.

Daily seasonal service between Denver International Airport (DEN) and Fairbanks, Alaska, will launch from May 23. United will resume year-round service between DEN and Winnipeg Richardson International Airport (YWG), also from May 23—marking the first time it will serve the route since 2020.

United says it will also resume service from Chicago O’Hare to both YWG and Quebec City for its summer schedule, as well as starting service between Newark and Halifax on May 23.

Additionally, United will resume service between Houston Intercontinental and Ontario, California, in May, operating the route for the first time since 2022.