United gears up for biggest summer ever at Chicago O’Hare

Throughout 2026, Chicago’s hometown airline will offer nonstop service to 222 destinations –38 more than its next largest competitor and includes 47 international cities across Europe, Asia and South America.

Starting from April, and on sale from today, the airline is strengthening connectivity across the Midwest with five new routes from ORD to Champaign/Urbana, Illinois, Kalamazoo, MI, Lansing, MI, La Crosse, WI and Bloomington/Normal, Illinois.

In addition to enhancing connections between O’Hare and small and midsized communities, more than 80 cities will receive additional flights like Boston, Nashville, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Dallas.

United’s Chicago hub is expected to become the third largest hub operated by any airline in the U.S.

“This growth at O’Hare highlights our commitment to invest in our network, customers and hiring in the city we call home,” said United’s airport VP, Omar Idris.

United will also operate to Guadalajara, Mexico (GDL) daily from June 8 to June 27, providing service for large international soccer games. With this add, United will have non-stop service from Chicago to all 16 cities hosting large international soccer games in 2026.

United plans to hire another 2,500 people at Chigo O'Hare before the end of the year. It currently has a Chicago-based workforce of more than 18,000 employees.

Customers have access to five United Club locations at the airport, in addition to a redesigned United Polaris lounge.