United Adds Two New International Flights from Denver and Cuts One Route

DENVER- United Airlines (UA) is reshaping its international network by cutting service to Tenerife (TFS) while bolstering its Denver International Airport (DEN) hub with two new international routes.

The Chicago-based carrier will cease its Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Tenerife service on May 2, 2025, following unsuccessful attempts to find the right seasonal timing for the 3,344-mile route.

Photo: By FoxyOrange – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=29202696

United Adds Two New Routes from Denver

United Airlines has officially announced the end of its service to Tenerife in Spain’s Canary Islands, a route that first launched during the carrier’s major international expansion in summer 2022.

The three-times-weekly service operated on Boeing 757-200 aircraft will cease operations on May 2, despite previous plans to resume winter seasonal service on December 19.

The airline initially operated the route during summer seasons in 2022, 2023, and 2024, but later attempted to switch to winter scheduling after noticing weaker-than-expected summer demand. Unfortunately, the winter experiment also failed to generate sustainable results, leading to the route’s complete elimination.

Despite this cut, United maintains its position as the U.S. carrier with the most extensive service to Spain, continuing operations to Barcelona, Bilbao, Madrid, Malaga, and Palma de Mallorca. United deserves recognition for pioneering this unique route, as no other U.S. airline has attempted Tenerife service in recent history.

Photo: Denver Airport

Denver Hub Gains

While cutting back in Europe, United is simultaneously strengthening its Denver hub with two significant international additions launching October 26, 2025. The carrier will begin Boeing 737 MAX 8 service to both Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (PUJ), and Mexico City, Mexico (MEX).

These new routes align with United’s strategic expansion at Denver International Airport, where the carrier has acquired additional gate space and consistently added new destinations.

This growth directly challenges Southwest Airlines (WN), the other major player in the Denver market, while leveraging the airport’s central geographic position to maximize connection opportunities throughout United’s network.

Denver-based travelers will benefit from these new leisure and business options while also gaining access to United’s significantly upgraded B West lounge, scheduled to open in late summer. The Punta Cana route provides convenient access to popular Caribbean destinations, including the world’s first all-inclusive W resort.

Photo: Clément Alloing

Tulum Route Reductions

United’s network adjustments extend beyond Europe, as the carrier is also eliminating its Chicago (ORD) to Tulum, Mexico (TQO) service. This cut follows United’s previous reduction of Tulum flights from Los Angeles (LAX) and a temporary suspension from Newark.

The Tulum airport opened to international service just over a year ago, prompting U.S. carriers to rapidly establish routes. However, demand has consistently fallen short of expectations across multiple airlines.

American Airlines (AA) discontinued Charlotte (CLT) to Tulum service earlier this year, while JetBlue Airways (B6) eliminated its New York (JFK) to Tulum route.

These network adjustments demonstrate United’s willingness to experiment with new markets while maintaining the discipline to cut underperforming routes, regardless of their initial promotional value.

Featured Image by Clément Alloing | Flickr

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The post United Adds Two New International Flights from Denver and Cuts One Route appeared first on Aviation A2Z.