United sets first international routes for new A321XLR jets

United Airlines has named the first international routes it plans to fly with its new Airbus A321XLR aircraft. Service from Washington Dulles to Amsterdam and Dublin will begin on December 1, 2026, according to the carrier, following the start of domestic A321XLR flying in September 2026.

The A321XLR is a longer-range narrowbody variant capable of covering roughly 4,700 nautical miles, according to the announcement. United said the cabin will carry 32 premium seats, split between 20 Polaris suites and 12 Premium Plus seats.

Beyond the Amsterdam and Dublin routes, United outlined further international destinations to launch in 2027 using the type. A daily service from Newark to Luxembourg City is due to start April 2, 2027, followed by daily flights from Washington Dulles to Toulouse from April 26. Newark-Ibiza service is planned four times weekly from May 1, with a three-times-weekly Newark-Valencia route to follow from June 1. A daily Newark-Marseille flight is scheduled to begin June 4, 2027.

United said it will be the only US carrier flying nonstop to Luxembourg City, Toulouse, Ibiza, Valencia and Marseille from the United States.

So far, United has taken delivery of only one A321XLR, according to tracking data cited in the announcement. That aircraft has not yet entered commercial service. The airline said it expects five more of the type by the end of 2026, as it works toward the planned route launches.