United Airlines Resumes Nonstop Service Between Washington Dulles and Albuquerque
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United Airlines is reintroducing a key transcontinental route as it resumes nonstop service between Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) and Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ). Beginning in late May 2025, the Chicago-based carrier will offer daily flights, reconnecting the New Mexico capital with the Washington, D.C., metro area for the first time in over a decade.
Return After an 11-Year Hiatus
United previously operated the IAD–ABQ route from September 2006 until April 2014, before discontinuing the service. The planned restart confirmed by Cirium Diio Mi schedule data, marks a strategic move for the carrier as it expands capacity from Albuquerque in 2025.
Initially, the route will be operated by Airbus A319 aircraft, switching to Boeing 737-700 equipment later in the schedule. The service is planned through December 2025, though future extensions remain possible.
Competition in the Washington–Albuquerque Market
United becomes the second airline to connect Albuquerque with the Washington–Baltimore metropolitan region. Southwest Airlines currently serves the area via Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). Southwest first launched its BWI–ABQ service in 2001, temporarily paused it in 2020, and resumed operations in March 2021. As of October 2025, Southwest is scheduled to operate 12 weekly flights on the route using a mix of 737-700, 737-800, and 737 MAX 8 aircraft, seating between 143 and 175 passengers.
United’s Rapid Growth in Albuquerque
Though Southwest Airlines remains the dominant carrier at ABQ—operating 253 of 614 weekly flights in June 2025 (41.2% market share)—United is experiencing the fastest year-over-year growth at the airport. According to Cirium, United will operate 97 weekly flights in June 2025, up 27 departures from June 2024, representing a 39.8% increase in available seat kilometers (ASK).
In terms of network coverage, United serves five destinations from Albuquerque, all of which are its U.S. hubs:
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Chicago O’Hare (ORD)
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Denver (DEN)
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Houston George Bush Intercontinental (IAH)
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San Francisco (SFO)
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Washington Dulles (IAD)
United deploys a diverse fleet on its ABQ routes, including the Airbus A319, A320, Boeing 737-700/800/900, 737 MAX 8, and various regional jets, such as the Embraer E145, E175, and CRJ700.
United’s average aircraft size from Albuquerque is projected at 100.4 seats per departure, compared to Southwest Airlines’ average of 157.9 seats per departure for the same period.
Bottom Line
United Airlines will resume daily nonstop service between Albuquerque (ABQ) and Washington Dulles (IAD) in late May 2025, reconnecting two key markets after an 11-year gap. The route strengthens United’s presence in New Mexico, where it is the fastest-growing carrier by capacity. With this expansion, United joins Southwest in offering direct access to the Washington–Baltimore area, enhancing connectivity for both business and leisure travelers.
