United launches first-ever U.S. service to Tepic from IAH

Seasonal nonstop strengthens Houston’s role as the gateway to Latin America and opens new access to Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit.

Dec 22, 2025

On Saturday, December 20, United Airlines launched its first-ever nonstop service between the U.S. and Tepic/Riviera Nayarit, Mexico (TPQ), with George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) serving as the route’s sole U.S. gateway. “United in Houston is known for, and continues to be, the gateway to Latin America,” said Phil Griffith, vice president of airport operations. “We’re proud to consistently offer impressive and unique routes out of IAH that our customers can appreciate and enjoy. Tepic and the Riviera Nayarit are a wonderful addition.”

The new route operates once a week on Saturdays, with seasonal service available from mid-December to mid-August. It provides direct access to the Riviera Nayarit region, including coastal communities such as San Blas, eliminating the need for lengthy ground travel from other Mexican airports. The inaugural flight was operated on an Embraer E-175 regional jet with 76 seats and departed more than 90% full. The aircraft features Starlink Wi-Fi, part of United’s broader effort to modernize the in-flight experience across its regional fleet. With the addition of Tepic, United now serves 24 destinations in Mexico and 52 destinations across Latin America from IAH. Nearly half of those Latin destinations are served exclusively from Houston, reinforcing Bush Airport’s role as United’s primary Latin American hub. For passengers, the result is straightforward: a new nonstop option to a growing leisure destination. For Houston, it is another incremental expansion of its global network — one flight, one market and one connection at a time.