With a vaccine ready for distribution, United Airlines sees light at the end of the tunnel. Nevertheless, new pandemic-related travel restrictions and more reported cases have prompted United to shrink its international schedule in January 2021.
United Airlines Shrinks January 2021 International Schedule
Blaming a “recent spike in COVID-19 cases” for causing a “slight reduction in bookings,” United will operate 43% of its international schedule compared to January 2020. With Europe and Asia still prohibiting most travelers from North America, United will shift its focus and capacity to “popular warm-weather destinations that have experienced the fastest recovery.” These include beach destinations in Mexico, Central America, and Brazil.
Temporary suspensions include:
- Chicago (ORD) – AUA (Aruba)
- Service suspended effective January 2, 2021
- United anticipates resuming service in spring 2021
- Chicago (ORD) – Tel Aviv (TLV)
- 3x weekly service suspended effective January 2, 2021
- United anticipates resuming service in summer 2021
- Chicago (ORD) – Brussels (BRU)
- Service suspended effective December 24, 2020
- United anticipates resuming service in summer 2021
- Houston (IAH) – Oaxaca (OAX)
- Service suspended effective January 3, 2021
- United anticipates resuming service in spring 2021
- Houston (IAH) – AUA (Aruba)
- Service suspended effective January 2, 2021
- United anticipates resuming service in spring 2021
- San Francisco (SFO) – London (LHR)
- Service suspended effective January 4, 2021
- United anticipates resuming service in spring 2021
- Washington (IAD) – London (LHR)
- Service suspended effective January 4, 2021
- United anticipates resuming service in summer 2021
- Washington (IAD) – Zurich (ZRH)
- Service suspended effective January 4, 2021
- United anticipates resuming service in summer 2021
- Guam (GUM) – Palau (ROR) + Yap (YAP)
- Service suspended effective Dec. 27, 2020
- United “will continue working with local officials to determine a time frame for resuming service.”
Three New International Routes Launch In January 2021
United will add three new routes next month, including:
- Liberia, Costa Rica (LIR)
- Los Angeles (LAX)
- San Francisco (SFO)
- Belize City, Belize (BZE)
- Los Angeles (LAX)
> Read More: United Airlines Adds Four New International Routes From Los Angeles
CONCLUSION
With harsh travel restrictions in place, it is not surprising to see United pare back many international routes. Nevertheless, cuts like recently-introduced Chicago to Tel Aviv or mainstays like San Francisco – London represent just how critical this period is. In terms of travel demand, expect a dark winter before spring.