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United Airlines is strengthening its position at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) with a big expansion that includes 10 new destinations and increased service to several existing routes. This follows the airline’s contested acquisition of five additional gates at the airport. Last month, I wrote about United Airlines scoring a major win in the ongoing battle for dominance in Chicago. A Cook County judge rejected American Airlines’ attempt to block United from taking control of five additional gates and that decision paved the way for United to further solidify its stronghold at one of the world’s busiest airports.
Under the terms of a 2018 lease agreement with the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA), airlines that demonstrate strong operational performance and efficient gate usage can earn additional gate allocations. United’s continued growth and record-breaking performance resulted in the CDA awarding the carrier five new gates, which officially took effect on October 1st. (I saw this in action earlier today while I was at the airport.)
Beginning in spring 2026, United will offer daily, nonstop service from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) to seven new destinations, including:
- Eugene Airport (EUG)
- Lynchburg Regional Airport (LYH)
- Marquette Sawyer Regional Airport (MQT)
- Paducah’s Barkley Regional Airport (PAH)
- Rochester International Airport (RST)
- Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA)
- Central Wisconsin Airport (CWA)
The following seasonal, Saturday-only routes will begin during the summer of 2026:
- Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA)
- Monterey Regional Airport (MRY)
- St. George Regional Airport (SGU)
In addition to new destinations, United will expand frequency on several existing leisure routes. Seasonal or weekend-only service to Aruba’s Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA), Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ), Hilton Head Airport (HHH), Nassau’s Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS), and Sun Valley’s Friedman Memorial Airport (SUN) will all become daily flights next summer.
Anthony’s Take: United’s latest additions further strengthen its position at one of its busiest hubs. I love the number of nonstop flights that United offers and that it continues to invest in Chicago.
(Image Credits: United Airlines.)
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Advertiser & Editorial Disclosure: The Bulkhead Seat earns an affiliate commission for anyone approved through the links above This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. We work to provide the best publicly available offers to our readers. We frequently update them, but this site does not include all available offers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities.
