United Airlines Adds New Tokyo – Palau Route
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United Airlines is expanding its Asia-Pacific footprint with a new nonstop service between Tokyo Narita (NRT) and Koror, Palau (ROR), starting October 29, 2025. The new route solidifies United’s role as the largest—and only—U.S. carrier serving this remote island nation.
A Unique Route to a Remote Destination
Koror, the main city in Palau, will now have year-round nonstop connectivity to Japan, a major step for an island with very limited international air service. United will operate the route 2x weekly using its Boeing 737-800 aircraft, which feature 166 seats and are a staple of the airline’s narrowbody fleet.
United already operates flights to Koror from both Guam (GUM) and Manila (MNL), making this its third route to the island. This new Tokyo connection not only expands United’s reach but also provides Palau with direct access to United’s broader transpacific network through Narita.
United’s Boeing 737-800s Return to Focus
The flights will be operated by United’s 737-800s, of which the airline has 141. While these aircraft are not new—averaging over 21 years in age—they remain crucial to United’s intra-Asia flying, especially on routes with moderate demand and shorter stage lengths.
No Competition, Unique Advantage
This service will be the only nonstop connection between Japan and Palau, with no current service from either Narita or Haneda. While China Airlines does serve Koror via Taipei (TPE), and Qantas and Nauru Airlines operate limited service from Brisbane and Nauru respectively, United stands alone in offering nonstop service from Japan.
This gives United a significant competitive advantage—not only for point-to-point travelers but also for U.S.-based customers looking to access Palau with a single stop via Tokyo.
United’s Broader Asia Push
This new route is part of a broader Asia-Pacific expansion strategy for United:
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Recently launched service from Tokyo Narita to Ulaanbaatar (UBN), becoming the first U.S. airline to serve Mongolia.
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Added service from Tokyo to Cebu (CEB), Philippines, and announced future flights to Kaohsiung (KHH), Taiwan.
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Approved fifth freedom rights for new intra-Asia flights from Hong Kong (HKG) to both Bangkok (BKK) and Ho Chi Minh City (SGN), starting October 26, 2025.
These additions strengthen United’s transpacific presence, especially in markets where few or no other U.S. carriers operate.
Bottom Line
With its new Tokyo–Koror service, United Airlines reinforces its strategic position in the Pacific. Already the only U.S. airline serving Palau, United continues to expand in under-served international markets, combining unique routing opportunities with robust connecting options across Asia and the U.S. mainland.
