United Airlines aircraft. Photo: Miguel Lagoa / Shutterstock.com Summer 2026 is expected to bring United Airlines' most extensive flight schedule ever from Chicago O'Hare Airport, with up to 750 flights per day.
ccording to the company's announcement, this is roughly 200 more flights than the airport's largest competitor, and also the sign of an unprecedented peak in activity for any airline operating at the airport.
This year, United will fly nonstop to 222 destinations from Chicago, more than any other airline at the airport. This includes 175 destinations in the United States and 47 international destinations in Europe, Asia and South America. In addition, five new domestic routes within the United States will open in April-May 2026.
Additionally, flights from Chicago to more than 80 cities in the United States will be increased, including Boston, Nashville, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Dallas. United notes that Chicago Airport is expected to become the company's third-largest US hub after a record year in passenger numbers in 2025.
The company also highlights its operational performance at the airport, leading major airlines in arrival times in 2025, with a significantly lower flight cancellation rate compared to competitors. As part of its expansion preparations, United plans to hire an additional 2,500 employees in Chicago by the end of the year.
Photo: UNITEDOmar Idris, Vice President, ORD-United Airlines: “We have spent the past decade building and executing a strategy that is focused on winning brand loyal customers by giving them more value when they fly United, and nowhere is that more apparent than in Chicago. This growth at O'Hare highlights our commitment to invest in our network, customers and hiring in the city we call home."