Blaming depressed demand and government restrictions, United Airlines will cut 95% of international travel in April, leaving service to only a handful of cities in Mexico.
United Airlines Suspends All Transatlantic Service
United is suspending all service to Europe, Israel, and India. The final westbound flights will occur on March 25th. One exception is Cape Town, which will run (as originally scheduled as a seasonal flight) until March 28th.
United Airlines Suspends All Transpacific Service
United will wind down its remaining transpacific service beginning tomorrow, with final eastbound departures on March 25th. Service between San Francisco and Tahiti and San Francisco and Sydney will run until March 28th. United will maintain a “portion” of its Island Hopper service and limited flights to Guam.
United Airlines Suspends Most Latin America Service
United will only maintain “a small number” of daytime flights to “certain” destinations within Mexico, though we do not have precise details yet as to what those are. All remaining flights to Central America and South America will be cancelled. The final southbound flights will occur on March 24th.
United Airlines Suspends Service To Canada
United will suspend all service to Canada beginning April 1st. Sadly, this is not an April fools joke.
Stuck?
Even though scheduled service will end, United is working with the U.S. State Department and governments around the world to bring stranded travelers home. Expect to see a number of “rescue” flights pop up that will likely only operate in one direction, back to the USA, beyond these dates above.
CONCLUSION
I never thought I’d see the day when United would ground its entire longhaul fleet. But it’s happening next week. If you are outside the USA and trying to get in, I suggest you leave now.
I’m a retired UA employee, and to see this happen is heartbreaking…I hope recovery is possible, and I feel for my United family,,,good luck to all and stay well
Hope UA files for chapter 11 very soo. A terrible company that is completely out of touch with its paying customers.
Thanks for the intelligent response David…Glad you have concern for the employees,,sure hope it doesnt happen to your company, business or what ever you may do..