United Airlines adds seasonal Portland-Houston route starting June

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By Sky Industry News

Dec 22, 2024

United Airlines has announced a new seasonal route connecting Portland International Jetport in Maine with Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport. The service will begin on June 28, 2025, and operate exclusively on Saturdays. This decision is part of United's strategy to expand its presence across the US, despite having reduced services to smaller cities in recent years.

The flight will be operated by Mesa Airlines under the United Express brand using an Embraer E175 aircraft. This model can accommodate 76 passengers in a two-class configuration. The route aims to meet the increased demand from leisure travelers during the summer months who are looking to visit vacation destinations.

Houston serves as a critical hub for United, offering connections to various tropical locations in Central and South America. By introducing this route, United hopes to provide more convenient travel options for residents of Maine planning trips southward.

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Portland International Jetport, although one of Maine's busiest airports, is not considered major. It currently sees significant operations from American Airlines and Southwest Airlines, each holding about 17% market share. United commands approximately 9% of the market in Portland with existing services to Newark Liberty International Airport, Chicago O’Hare International Airport, and Washington Dulles International Airport. In May 2025, it plans to add service to Denver.

The introduction of this new route comes amidst other changes within United’s network. Since April 2020, the airline has cut flights to 41 cities due to lower-than-expected demand and pilot shortages but continues expanding routes from hubs like Denver.