United Airlines revives Tokyo hub with new Asian routes

Despite pulling back from Narita in the 2000s due to unsatisfactory load factors—ending with Seoul Incheon as the last destination in 2017—United has now recalibrated its strategy. According to Airline Observer, they are optimizing Pacific operations by connecting former Narita routes directly from San Francisco.

Post-pandemic travel trends have seen increased interest in exotic destinations. United responded by opening over a dozen international routes including Nuuk, Greenland. The airline is also repositioning aircraft from Guam where it maintains a significant presence despite moderate demand.

In April 2025, United introduced a new connection from Guam to Taipei and resumed other routes under its expanded regional umbrella including Koror, Palau linked with Narita. This aligns with United’s broader strategy of catering to growing demand for East Asia and Pacific Island travel.

Patrick Quayle, Senior Vice President of Global Network Planning and Alliances at United, stated: "At United, we're changing the way people think about where they travel – by offering the greatest access to see and explore the world."

The renewed focus on Narita reflects a strategic shift towards enhancing access to unique travel experiences while capitalizing on evolving market dynamics.