Airlines

United Airlines Adds Six New Denver Routes and 35 New Flights

United today revealed intentions to considerably strengthen its position as Denver’s top airline by adding 35 flights, six new routes, a dozen extra gates, and three clubs, including the biggest ones in the carrier’s network.

Beginning this summer, United will also double the total number of early morning departures and late evening arrivals into and out of Denver, offering passengers additional flexibility and opportunities to travel for longer periods of time.

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Six new non-stop routes will be added by the airline, including four that are not currently served by any other Denver airlines: San Juan, Puerto Rico; Dayton, Ohio; Greensboro, North Carolina; and Lexington, Kentucky.

By the middle of 2024, 12 additional gates in the A and B concourses will be operational as part of the airline’s local infrastructure upgrades. The most gates at Denver International Airport, 90 in total, will go to United.

This development is a component of the carrier’s nearly $1 billion investment, which also includes a 30% increase in gate capacity, a new check-in lobby, more user-friendly technology at gates, a new grab-and-go club concept called United Club FlySM, and the renovation and expansion of United ClubSM locations.

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This year, United will fly new 737 MAX aircraft non-stop to San Juan, Puerto Rico, beginning October 29, and Montego Bay, Jamaica*, beginning November 4. In addition to the new routes, United will use its new MAX aircraft to increase service to popular destinations like Miami, Austin, Boston and Atlanta. As United grows its mainline fleet, the airline will use Embraer 175 aircraft to connect Denver with Asheville, NC; Dayton, OH; Greensboro, NC and Lexington, KY, starting on September 29.

United plans to open 12 more gates by the middle of 2024, bringing United to an industry-leading 90 gates at the airport. The airline is also investing more than $40 million to update its footprint at 55 existing Concourse B gates by incorporating modern furniture options with in-seat power and new digital signage and self-service kiosks to support customers on their journey.

In 2023, the airline plans to hire more than 2,300 people – from ramp agents and customer service representatives to pilots, flight attendants, maintenance technicians and more. Overall, in 2022, the airline hired 15,000 people across its network and will add another 15,000 this year – on track to add about 50,000 people by 2026.

Airlines

PIA Reinstates Manchester and Paris Routes After EU Ban Lift

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced plans to resume flights to Europe starting in January, beginning with Paris as its first destination.

The decision follows the European Union Aviation Safety Agency’s (EASA) removal of a long-standing ban on the airline. PIA’s inaugural flight to Paris is scheduled for January 10, with bookings opening on December 9.

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In an official statement, PIA spokesperson Abdullah Hafeez Khan confirmed that the first flight schedule has been approved, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s recovery efforts. The EU ban had previously cost PIA approximately Rs40 billion ($144 million) annually in lost revenue, compounding its financial struggles.

With European operations restarting, PIA is now setting its sights on the United Kingdom. The airline plans to seek approval from the UK Department for Transport (DfT) to resume flights to major British cities such as London, Manchester, and Birmingham.

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These routes are anticipated to see high demand once necessary clearances are obtained. The lifting of the EU ban represents a key achievement for PIA as it works to rebuild its international network and regain its standing in the global aviation market.

By restoring flights to Europe and aiming for UK destinations, PIA is taking critical steps toward recovering lost ground and improving its financial outlook.