United Airlines is significantly expanding its Edinburgh to Washington D.C. transatlantic route, offering near-continuous service throughout the year and boosting capacity on one of Scotland’s most vital links to the United States.
Currently operating daily during the summer season, the service will continue five times per week from 26 October 2025 to 5 January 2026, before resuming again on 20 February.
Daily flights will then return from 29 March 2026, marking a 10% increase in available seats between the Scottish capital and the U.S. capital.
This move forms part of a broader expansion by United Airlines at Edinburgh Airport, where it is now running year-round flights to New York/Newark, which have increased from one to two daily departures during peak summer. The airline also continues to operate a seasonal daily service to Chicago O’Hare.
United remains the only carrier to offer year-round direct flights from Edinburgh to the United States, with more flights and seats than any other airline operating from the airport.
Karolien De Hertogh, Director of Sales UK and Ireland at United Airlines, commented: “As the only airline connecting Edinburgh and the U.S. all year, we’re thrilled to expand our services.”
“This development reflects how central Edinburgh is to United’s international network. Scottish travellers now have even greater flexibility to reach Washington D.C., along with convenient onward connections to over 65 destinations across the Americas from our Washington Dulles hub.”
Edinburgh Airport’s Chief Executive, Gordon Dewar, welcomed the announcement, saying: “This is excellent news as United further strengthens its presence at Scotland’s busiest airport.”
“Extending the Washington D.C. route into the winter months demonstrates strong demand for direct transatlantic travel. With three U.S. routes now operating from Edinburgh, it underscores United’s confidence in the airport as its key Scottish base.”
Dewar also emphasised Edinburgh Airport’s commitment to expanding direct North American connectivity, stating that further transatlantic links remain a top priority.
