United Airlines Cancels 2 New Routes Weeks Ahead of Launch

09.04.2024 - 15:37 / travelpulse.com / United Airlines / Laurie Baratti

United Airlines has reportedly indefinitely postponed the launch of two highly anticipated routes just weeks before their inaugural flights were due to take off. 

The first affected route is the planned nonstop service from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Faro International Airport (FAO) in Portugal's renowned Algarve resort region, which was first seen in Cirium schedules was confirmed later by a United spokesperson. 

The Big Four airline had planned to begin flying this 3,494-mile route, intending to offer service four times weekly, on May 24 and continue throughout the peak summer travel season, but United has ultimately ended up scrapping it just weeks before its scheduled commencement.

The Points Guy (TPG) reports that the carrier centered a sizeable marketing effort around the Algarve route when it was first announced back in October 2023, and called it uncharacteristic of United to cut an attention-getting new route like this on short notice. 

As it turns out, a carrier spokesperson attributed the sudden cancellation to the ongoing Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) audit that was initiated after several recent safety incidents involving United aircraft occurred in quick succession. 

The Algarve, Portugal (Photo via Hans Brunk)

The string of mishaps—which included occasions where a jet engine caught fire, a plane skidded off a runway and an aircraft lost a tire mid-takeoff—did not result in any passenger injuries, but prompted a regulatory investigation just the same.

Amid the ongoing inquiries, the airline is prevented from adding new outstations that haven’t already been approved by the FAA, sources close to the situation said.

However, United told TPG that, despite this setback, it remains hopeful of being able to launch flight to Faro during the summer 2025 season, pending FAA approval. The flights have not yet been incorporated into United’s schedule for next year, as the timetables only extend 330 days into the future. 

In addition to the Algarve route, United has also postponed the launch of its planned route from Tokyo, Japan to Cebu, Philippines, which was scheduled to start on July 31. Like Faro, Cebu was set to be a new outstation for United and, due to the increased regulatory oversight, the airline is prevented from adding it at this time. 

Three North American routes have also been affected by the increased scrutiny and operational adjustments, with United cutting flights from Houston to Boise, Idaho and Hartford, Connecticut; as well as from Washington D.C. to Key West, Florida.

Travelers whose plans have been impacted by these route cancellations will be offered different flight options or ticket refunds, TPG reported.

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