United Adds Tepic, Expands Winter Latin Network
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United Airlines is making a bold play for winter travelers with a three-route international expansion, including a new destination in Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit, and added flights to Mexico City and the Dominican Republic.
United Adds Tepic—A First for U.S. Airlines
Starting December 20, 2025, United will launch Saturday-only nonstop service from Houston (IAH) to Tepic (TPQ) using Embraer E175s. This marks the first time a U.S. airline has flown to Tepic, the gateway to the Riviera Nayarit—a region just north of Puerto Vallarta known for its quieter beaches and boutique resorts.
United becomes only the second carrier with service to TPQ, joining Mexican LCC Volaris, which offers service to Los Angeles.
Broader Expansion to Latin America & the Caribbean
Alongside Tepic, United will introduce two new daily routes from Denver (DEN):
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Denver to Mexico City (MEX) – daily on a Boeing 737 MAX 8, beginning October 26, 2025
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Denver to Punta Cana (PUJ) – daily on a 737 MAX 9, also launching October 26, 2025
These moves are part of a broader strategy, as U.S. carriers double down on international demand amid a softening domestic market. According to U.S. International Trade Administration data, outbound U.S. travel increased 2.4% in early 2025, while inbound foreign travel to the U.S. dropped 1.2%—a trend that favors U.S. airlines.
More Frequencies Across Latin America
United is also increasing frequencies on 33 existing routes to Latin America and the Caribbean this winter. Notably, this includes:
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Houston to Medellin (MDE)
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Houston to Puerto Escondido (PXM) – United became the first U.S. carrier to PXM in April
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Newark to Dominica (DOM)
United’s winter Latin push aligns with other carriers, including American Airlines, which will also begin Puerto Escondido flights in December.
Bottom Line
United Airlines will launch three new international routes this winter, led by a Saturday service to Tepic (TPQ)—the airline’s second new Mexican destination in 2025. Two new daily flights from Denver to Mexico City and Punta Cana round out the expansion, with dozens of additional frequencies on existing routes. As domestic demand softens, United is making a clear shift toward international leisure growth.
