United Airlines is set to significantly increase its flight offerings between Palma de Mallorca and New York. This step wil boost its operations for the summer of 2025. The airline will add a new flight frequency and extend its operations through October, providing more than 50% more seating capacity compared to previous years.
According to Hosteltur, United made this announcement during a press conference at FITUR 2025, alongside officials from the Consell de Mallorca. Starting in the summer of 2025, United will increase its frequency on the Palma-New York route from three to four flights per week. This expansion will be supported by the introduction of a larger aircraft, with United switching from the Boeing 767-300 to the Boeing 767-400. This aircraft accommodates 231 passengers. Thus, it will allow the airline to offer a significant increase in seat availability for this popular transatlantic route.
Antonio de Toro, Country Sales Manager for Spain at United Airlines, expressed his enthusiasm about the expansion: “As the only airline connecting Mallorca to the United States, we are thrilled to announce this significant increase, further emphasising the importance of our Palma de Mallorca route within United’s global network.” He also noted that since the route’s launch in 2022, United has expanded its seat capacity by more than 75%, demonstrating the growing demand for this connection.
A boost for Mallorca’s connectivity
Sector experts hail the increase in flights as a major step forward for Mallorca’s connectivity, particularly for both residents and tourists. Llorenç Galmés, President of the Consell de Mallorca, commented that the extension of this direct flight route between Palma and New York would have a substantial impact on the island’s mobility, especially for business and leisure travel. He stressed that the Consell would continue working to ensure that such routes remain operational beyond the summer months, making travel more accessible and cost-effective for local residents.
Galmés highlighted that direct flights eliminate the need for layovers in other European cities, reducing travel time and associated costs. This, he said, would not only benefit residents but also open new economic opportunities for Mallorca, contributing to its overall growth.
United’s major expansion plans
The extension of the Palma-New York service is part of United Airlines’ largest international expansion in its history. This summer, the airline will introduce six new destinations and nine new transatlantic routes. United’s decision to increase the frequency and capacity of its Palma to New York flights aligns with its broader strategy to strengthen its position in Europe and further enhance its global network.
United operates direct flights between Palma and New York using the Boeing 767-400, which includes 34 United Polaris business class seats, 24 premium economy seats in United Premium Plus, 48 Economy Plus seats, and 125 standard economy seats, ensuring a range of options for all types of passengers.
American tourists in Spain
The year 2024 closed with a new historic record in the volume of arrivals and spending by tourists from the United States travelling to Spain. Furthermore, Turespaña expects this trend will continue in 2025, although with a smaller year-on-year increase. In addition, the latest barometer from the European Travel Commission (ETC), published in October 2024, also indicates that Spain ranks as the fourth most desired European destination for American tourists.
Additionally, Turespaña highlights that connectivity forecasts for 2025 are optimistic, with 24 direct flight routes consolidated and the addition of a new seasonal route between New York and Bilbao, and between New York and Palma bringing the total to 26 direct routes. Additionally, it emphasises that American tourists have a very positive perception of Spain, further solidifying its position as one of their top destinations. The United States remains the leading non-European source market for tourists to Spain.
Also read: American tourists overtake Brits in spending for the first time in Mallorca