United Airlines Expands Service at Chicago's O'Hare Airport

New routes to Midwestern destinations will make United the top airline at the busy hub.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 11:15pm

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United Airlines has announced it is adding five new direct routes to and from Chicago's O'Hare International Airport, including service to airports in Wisconsin, Michigan, and Illinois. This expansion will increase United's total destinations from O'Hare to 222, making it the top airline at the busy hub.

Why it matters

O'Hare is one of the busiest airports in North America, handling over 80 million passengers in 2024. United's expansion at the airport will provide more travel options for Midwest-based flyers and solidify the airline's dominance at this key transportation hub.

The details

The new United routes will connect O'Hare to La Crosse, Wisconsin; Kalamazoo and Lansing, Michigan; and Champaign/Urbana and Bloomington/Normal, Illinois. This is part of a broader expansion that will also see United add service to Erie, Eugene, Monterey and Santa Barbara later this year, as well as increased flights to Dallas, Nashville and San Francisco.

  • The new routes will begin service in April and May 2026.
  • United will also add a new route between Chicago and Guadalajara, Mexico in June 2026 to accommodate World Cup travel.

The players

United Airlines

A major U.S. airline that is expanding its presence at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport.

O'Hare International Airport

One of the busiest airports in North America, handling over 80 million passengers in 2024.

Omar Idris

United's Vice President for ORD, who commented on the airline's commitment to investing in its network and customers in Chicago.

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What they’re saying

“This growth at O'Hare highlights our commitment to invest in our network, customers and hiring in the city we call home.”

— Omar Idris, United's Vice President for ORD

The takeaway

United's expansion at O'Hare Airport demonstrates the airline's continued investment in the Chicago market and its commitment to providing Midwest travelers with more flight options to destinations across the region and country.