In an effort to enhance regional connectivity and support economic growth, United Airlines launched its inaugural flight from Tokyo Narita, Japan to Koror, Palau on October 29, 2025. The flight was celebrated by His Excellency The Honorable Surangel Whipps, Jr. , President of the Republic of Palau, and Steve Morrissey, Vice President of International Regulatory & Policy for United Airlines. They were joined by the United flight crew, including Captain Ollan McElligot, First Officer Phillip Resillez, and Flight Attendants Lito Perez, Elenita Perez, Dora Mobel, and Hanako Maeyama.
This new route provides customers in Palau with easy one-stop connections to five United hub locations across the Pacific, including New York/Newark, Houston, Denver, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. It also complements the airline’s existing service from Guam and Manila to Palau.
The inaugural flight was welcomed at Palau International Airport with a traditional water cannon salute and cultural entertainment. Guests also observed a Japanese sake barrel ceremony at Narita Airport to celebrate the flight’s departure from Japan. To mark the occasion, a gate celebration was held to welcome customers onboard the first departing flight from Palau.
With nearly 350 islands, Palau offers visitors the opportunity to experience a variety of marine ecosystems through activities such as snorkeling and scuba diving. United’s new service makes it easier for travelers from the mainland U. S. or Tokyo to visit and explore the pristine coral and fish in the Pacific.
According to Steve Morrissey, Vice President of International Regulatory and Policy, the new route reflects United’s commitment to expanding travel choices for customers and supporting local economies. “United continues to expand in places our customers want to travel, and our new service to Palau is a great example of that,” he stated.
President of Palau, Surangel Whipps Jr. , also expressed his gratitude to United for their partnership and leadership in reconnecting Palau to the world. He credited their swift action in resuming flights after the pandemic and commitment to restoring air links for the country’s economic revival.
The new flight, operated by a Boeing 737-800 aircraft with 166 seats, departs Tokyo/Narita at 5:55 p. m. and arrives in Palau at 10:50 p. m. local time. The return flight departs Palau at 11:25 a. m. and arrives in Tokyo/Narita at 4:00 p. m. United plans to replace the Boeing 737-800 with a more modern Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft by the end of 2026. These aircraft will feature United’s signature interior, including seatback entertainment, larger overhead bins, and Wi-Fi available for purchase.
In addition to the new route to Palau, United has also launched new services between Hong Kong and Bangkok, Thailand, Hong Kong and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and a second daily flight