United Airlines is one of the largest airlines in the world, with a significant presence in both domestic and international markets. While its international flights only make up 6% of its total operations, United still ranks second globally for long-haul activity. According to the US Department of Transportation, in the 12 months leading up to October 2025, United had a total of 320 international routes and carried over 38 million passengers with an average seat load factor of 81. 2%. However, like any airline, United also has its share of underperforming routes, despite its extensive network and resources.

Based on data from the US Department of Transportation, here are the top ten routes with the lowest passenger loads for United Airlines. All routes included in this list are regular services, with at least 2,000 round-trip passengers in the 12 months leading up to October 2025. This helps to eliminate any one-off or irregular flights that may skew the data.

1. Newark to Tenerife South – Ended May 2025
With an average load of only 71. 4% over a three-year period, Newark to Tenerife South was one of United’s least successful routes. The airline operated this route with the Boeing 757-200, starting in June 2022 and ending in May 2025.

2. Houston Intercontinental to Georgetown – Ended September 2025
Another underperforming route for United was Houston Intercontinental to Georgetown, with an average load of only 48. 8%. This route, which covered 2,521 nautical miles each way, began in April 2024 and ended in September 2025. Despite being served year-round, the route only filled less than half of its seats.

3. Newark to Nuuk – Ended January 2026
United’s Newark to Nuuk route, which started in June 2025, also ended in less than a year. The route, which covered 3,481 nautical miles each way, had an average load of only 51. 5%.

4. San Francisco to Panama City – Ended January 2026
With an average load of 53. 7%, San Francisco to Panama City was another short-lived route for United, lasting only nine months. The route, which began in April 2025, operated three times a week on the 767-300ER.

5. Washington Dulles to Dakar – Ended January 2026
The only transatlantic route on this list, Washington Dulles to Dakar, was also discontinued after only nine months of operation. Despite covering 3,481 nautical miles each way, this route had an average load of only 58. 0%.

6. Houston Intercontinental to Havana – Ended September 2025
United’s route from Houston Intercontinental to Havana, which ran for 14 years, ended in September 2025. With an average load of 58.