United Airlines Unveils Record O’Hare Schedule for 2026 With 750 Daily Flights and New Routes
United Airlines announced a major expansion of its flight schedule at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), unveiling plans to operate a record 750 flights per day during the peak summer 2026 season — the largest schedule ever deployed by a single airline at the bustling Midwest hub. The announcement underscores United’s strategy to strengthen its market share, deepen regional connections and intensify competition with American Airlines.
The expanded timetable, revealed on January 27, will see United offer nonstop service to 222 destinations worldwide — including 47 international cities across Europe, Asia and South America, and 175 U.S. markets. With this buildout, United aims to further solidify Chicago as a cornerstone of its global network.
Record Flight Volume and Network Growth
Under the summer 2026 schedule, United’s ORD departures will increase by nearly 170 flights per day compared with the 2025 season, outpacing American and other carriers at the airport. The total of 750 daily departures represents a significant expansion of capacity and connectivity.
To support the growth, United plans to hire approximately 2,500 new employees at O’Hare by the end of the year, bringing its local workforce to more than 18,000 airline personnel. The carrier also continues to enhance passenger experience with investments in technology upgrades such as faster Wi‑Fi and improved connection tools, as well as expanded lounge amenities.
New Midwest Routes Strengthen Local Connectivity
Part of United’s expansion includes five new nonstop routes from O’Hare to midwestern cities beginning in late April and early May. These destinations — all served with four daily round‑trip flights — include:
- Champaign‑Urbana, Illinois
- Bloomington‑Normal, Illinois
- Kalamazoo/Battle Creek, Michigan
- Lansing, Michigan
- La Crosse, Wisconsin
These additions are expected to enhance air travel options for both business and leisure travelers in smaller regional markets, connecting those communities directly to United’s broader domestic and international network.
Strategic Push Amid Airport Rivalry
United’s aggressive expansion at O’Hare comes amid intensifying competition with American Airlines, which is also growing its schedule and adding new routes from the Windy City. United’s CEO and senior planning executives have publicly emphasized the airline’s determination to maintain and expand its footprint at the airport, especially after gaining additional gates through a recent Chicago Department of Aviation reallocation process.
The rivalry between the two legacy carriers has become one of the defining competitive stories at O’Hare, one of the few U.S. hubs where both operate full‑scale domestic and international networks. United currently holds a market‑leading share of departures at the airport, a position it seeks to strengthen further with the latest schedule buildout.
Broader Implications for Travelers and Airport Traffic
The 2026 expansion reflects strong demand for travel across both business and leisure segments, with Chicago’s central location making it a crucial connecting gateway for routes spanning North America and beyond. United’s expanded network will provide travelers with more choices and flexibility, particularly during peak travel months.
However, the rapid growth also places pressure on O’Hare’s infrastructure. Airport authorities and industry experts have noted that ongoing renovation efforts and capacity challenges could be tested by the increased flight volume, prompting discussions around long‑term facilities planning and operational improvements.
