British Airways and United to Launch New Routes From the West Coast to London, Dublin

Alison Fox

Getting to Europe from the West Coast next summer is about to get easier as United Airlines and British Airways both announced new direct routes this week.

Beginning June 1, British Airways will fly from Portland to London’s Heathrow Airport, offering the first ever year-round direct service from the U.K. to the City of Roses, according to the airline. And on June 5, United will launch daily nonstop service from San Francisco to Dublin, becoming the first U.S. airline to offer daily direct flights from the West Coast to the Irish city.

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"Dublin and the Silicon Valley are two regions synonymous with big tech," Patrick Quayle, United's vice president of international network, said in a statement. "Many global tech companies have a major footprint in both regions, and they need a carrier with an extensive worldwide network to help conveniently connect their business. As the only U.S. airline to serve Ireland from the West Coast, United is uniquely suited to provide the connectivity these companies and economies need to continue thriving."

The United flights will operate from the airline’s San Francisco hub and fly on a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. Currently, United offers service to Dublin from other hubs like Chicago’s O'Hare, Washington Dulles and Newark.

While United may be the first U.S. airline to offer direct daily service on the route, Irish airline Aer Lingus already offers a nonstop San Francisco to Dublin flight, according to USA Today.

For its part, Portland will become British Airways’ 27th U.S. destination, according to the carrier, and will run five days a week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday) on a Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

“As a major technology and innovation hub, the city is drawing ever-increasing numbers of international visitors,” Neil Chernoff, British Airways’ director of network and alliances, said in a statement. “We’re confident the route will be warmly welcomed by both business and leisure travellers.”

In addition to these routes, USA Today reported that United will fly to Nice, France, and Palermo, Italy, for the first time next summer. Also next summer, Delta Air Lines will introduce daily nonstop service from New York and Boston to London's Gatwick Airport.