United Airlines Launches Three New Routes from Tokyo Narita Hub

United Airlines has expanded its operations by launching flights between Tokyo Narita and Kaohsiung, Taiwan, marking the airline’s latest addition to its Asian routes. This flight commenced on July 11, 2025, and is part of a strategy that includes two other “fifth freedom” routes, which allow the airline to carry passengers between two foreign countries on a flight that originates in its home country. The new routes enhance United’s presence in Asia, an area it has been gradually reestablishing since the closure of its Japanese hub in 2020.

United’s return to Tokyo Narita comes after a hiatus from Asian routes that lasted until 2017. Previously, the airline operated a significant hub at Narita with over 400 flight attendants based there. The airline’s Asian network has a storied history, dating back to its acquisition of Pan Am’s Asia-Pacific operations in 1986, which included critical access to the Tokyo Narita hub.

New Routes and Strategic Expansion

The launch of the Kaohsiung route is complemented by two additional services that focus on increasing connectivity in Asia. United Airlines will operate flights to Cebu and Ulaanbaatar, utilizing Boeing 737-800 aircraft based in Guam. The Ulaanbaatar route, which emphasizes tourism and business travel related to Mongolia’s mining sector, will operate three times weekly starting on May 1, 2025. The Cebu service will run year-round, beginning on October 27, 2024.

As part of its network development strategy, United is not only reintroducing its Asian routes but is also adding unique European destinations that previously lacked direct service from the United States, such as Bilbao and Faro. All new links from Narita will begin and end in the U.S., requiring passengers to change planes at the Tokyo hub.

The airline’s access to traffic rights established post-World War II allows it to transport passengers and cargo throughout Asia, effectively turning Narita into a significant transit hub. Passengers can connect from various U.S. cities, including Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Newark, and San Francisco, to destinations like Cebu, Kaohsiung, and Ulaanbaatar.

Market Dynamics and Future Prospects

United Airlines faces stiff competition in the Japanese market, especially from local carriers such as China Airlines, EVA Air, and others operating in the region. While the airline looks to capitalize on its valuable slots at Narita, the dynamics of the Tokyo market have shifted significantly. The opening of Haneda Airport to international flights has altered the competitive landscape, making it a preferred choice due to its proximity to downtown Tokyo.

In an effort to mitigate costs while redeveloping its hub, Andrew Nocella, United’s Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, noted that this initiative represents a “pretty low-cost and low-investment opportunity.” He emphasized the importance of the new routes to Cebu, Kaohsiung, and Ulaanbaatar, describing them as “high-profile places” that attract considerable attention from travelers, particularly on social media platforms.

The success of these routes will determine whether United Airlines will introduce additional services from its reemerging Narita hub. As the airline navigates the post-pandemic landscape, it will be essential to monitor the performance of these initial flights and their impact on United’s overall strategy in Asia.