United Airlines is boosting its flight offerings from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) in 2025 with new domestic and international routes. The airline aims to provide travelers with more flexibility, better connections, and enhanced travel experiences.
United Airlines’ New Routes from Chicago in May 2025
Starting in May 2025, United Airlines will introduce three new destinations:
- Ontario, California (ONT): Daily service beginning May 22, 2025, operated by a Boeing 737-800.
- Billings, Montana (BIL): Daily service starting May 22, 2025, using an Embraer E175 regional jet.
- Halifax, Nova Scotia (YHZ): Weekly service beginning May 24, 2025, also utilizing an Embraer E175 aircraft.
These new routes reflect United’s goal of improving its regional and cross-border connectivity while responding to increased passenger demand.
Why These New Routes Matter
The addition of these flights will:
- Improve domestic connectivity for business and leisure travelers.
- Provide better regional options for international travelers connecting through Chicago.
- Support Midwest travelers by offering more direct access to major cities and regions.
United is strategically enhancing its Midwest hub, aiming to strengthen both domestic and international travel options.
Summer 2025: United Airlines’ International Route Updates
For the summer travel season in 2025, United Airlines is making key changes to its international routes, with earlier flight resumptions, upgraded aircraft, and increased seating capacity.
Transatlantic Route Modifications
- Athens, Greece: Daily service starting May 1 to September 24, 2025, using the larger Boeing 787-10 aircraft instead of the smaller 787-8.
- Barcelona, Spain: Service begins on April 21, 2025, earlier than planned, initially using a Boeing 787-10 before switching to a 787-8 in May.
- Dublin, Ireland: Flights will upgrade to a Boeing 787-8 from March 29, 2025, replacing the smaller 757-200 aircraft.
Seasonal Route Resumptions
- Milan, Italy (Malpensa): Seasonal service resumes on April 7, 2025, with daily flights on a Boeing 787-8.
- Reykjavik, Iceland: Daily flights return from May 19 to September 23, 2025, using a Boeing 757-200.
- Shannon, Ireland: Daily service from May 22 to September 23, 2025, on a 757-200.
Equipment Upgrades and Transitions
- Munich, Germany: The current 787-10 will transition to a 787-8 starting March 29, 2025, maintaining daily flights.
- Paris, France (Charles de Gaulle): The 787-8 will be replaced by the larger 787-10, starting March 29, 2025.
These changes ensure passengers enjoy larger, more comfortable aircraft and improved services during peak travel months.
United Airlines’ Strategy for Summer 2025
The airline’s approach focuses on increasing passenger comfort, optimizing travel schedules, and providing more options to key international destinations. By introducing earlier flight dates, upgrading aircraft, and restoring seasonal routes, United demonstrates its flexibility in meeting global travel needs.
This expansion benefits leisure and business travelers alike, particularly those traveling between Chicago and major European cities. Additionally, the resumption of seasonal routes to Nordic and Irish destinations highlights United’s efforts to cater to vacationers seeking unique summer getaways.
In summary, United Airlines’ strategic expansions at its Chicago hub aim to support growing demand and provide travelers with diverse, well-timed options for both short and long-haul trips.