United expands presence at SFO
April 7, 2025
United Airlines has embarked on a significant expansion at San Francisco International Airport (SFO), increasing its flying by 20% in 2025 as part of its long-term strategy to re-establish the airport as a global gateway.
The airline is now larger at SFO than it was before the pandemic, with capacity up 6% compared to 2019 and 20% versus last year.
United already flies to 111 destinations worldwide from San Francisco and is set to operate around 300 daily flights this summer – its highest number since 2019 and more than any other airline serving the Bay Area.
In the last four years, United has added 11 new international destinations and nine new domestic routes from SFO. These include reinstated services to New Orleans, Kansas City, Detroit and St. Louis, as well as new flights to San Jose, Costa Rica and Panama City, Panama starting next month.
“We’re winning more and more Bay Area customers because of our investments in the product, the experience and the places we fly,” said United CEO Scott Kirby, who outlined the airline’s strategy at an event where it also showcased a Boeing 787-9, Airbus A321neo, and an Archer Midnight eVTOL.
“Our growth in SFO is a direct result of United’s ambitious network strategy, which has set us apart from the competition and cemented our status as the world’s largest airline.”
A $2.6 billion construction project is currently underway at the airport, which includes the modernisation and expansion of Terminal 3, helping to pave the way for United’s growth in the years ahead.
“San Francisco’s economy is on the rise, and tourism is critical to our comeback. Our city is a global destination – United’s expansion shows that people want to be here,” said Mayor Daniel Lurie. “These new flights will provide jobs for residents and make it easier for visitors to come here so they can experience everything that makes San Francisco the place to be.”
