Chicago’s airline expansion boom is continuing as United follows in the footsteps of American Airlines, debuting hundreds of new daily flights and routes from O’Hare International Airport.
Here’s all the details and what it means for your spring and summer vacation plans!
United launching nonstop service to 200+ destinations
United Airlines announced the service increase in a statement released Tuesday. The airline will offer nonstop service to a total of 222 destinations from O’Hare throughout 2026, including 175 domestic and 47 international cities.
Sales will open on January 29 for flights beginning in April to five new Midwestern locales:
- Champaign/Urbana, Ill. (CMI) operated 4 times daily beginning April 30, 2026
- Kalamazoo, Mich. (AZO) operated 4 times daily beginning April 30, 2026
- Lansing, Mich. (LAN) operated 4 times daily beginning May 7, 2026
- La Crosse, Wis. (LSE) operated 4 times daily beginning May 7, 2026
- Bloomington/Normal, Ill. (BMI) operated 4 times daily beginning May 7, 2026
Additional destinations launching in 2026 include Santa Barbara, California, Eugene, Oregon, Marquette, Michigan, and others.
Several major domestic cities will receive increased connectivity including Boston, Nashville, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Dallas-Forth Worth.
The expansion marks a major milestone, with United officially offering more destinations than any other provider at O’Hare.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker celebrated the expansion, stating, “The record-breaking expanded flight offerings from United Airlines planned for this coming summer at O’Hare demonstrates the company’s sustained commitment to growth in Illinois – boosting our economy, supporting jobs, and strengthening Chicago’s tourism and hospitality industries.”
Learn more and explore flight options here.