United Airlines has announced the launch of 10 new domestic routes from its hub at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) starting in 2026. The move aims to strengthen the airline’s U.S. network and offer more travel options for passengers flying to and from Chicago.
According to Travel and Leisure, this expansion follows the airline’s acquisition of additional airport gates, enabling it to operate the busiest flight schedule in its history at O’Hare, as confirmed by Patrick Quayle, United’s Senior Vice President of Global Network Planning.
The new destinations will include cities across the West Coast and Midwest:
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Santa Barbara (California)
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Eugene (Oregon)
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Paducah (Kentucky)
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Lynchburg (Virginia)
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Marquette (Michigan)
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Wausau (Wisconsin)
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Rochester (Minnesota)
United Airlines Expands Routes and Upgrades Polaris Studio
In addition, seasonal Saturday flights will operate to Monterey (California), St. George (Utah), and Idaho Falls (Idaho) — with St. George serving as a major gateway to Zion National Park, a favorite for nature enthusiasts.
United also announced that several weekend-only flights will become daily summer routes, including Hilton Head (South Carolina), Halifax (Nova Scotia), Sun Valley (Idaho), Aruba, and Nassau (Bahamas). Furthermore, West Palm Beach (Florida) service will now operate daily year-round.
Tickets for these new routes are already available. This expansion is part of a broader strategy that includes new European destinations in summer 2026 and new routes to Asia. United Airlines is also preparing to debut its Polaris Studio business-class suite, which will feature 25% more personal space, enhanced screens, and luxury dining options, including caviar service.