United Airlines has announced it is shelving plans to launch new regional routes from Chicago O’Hare to 10 smaller U.S. airports, citing ongoing FAA flight caps at one of the nation’s busiest hubs.
The decision comes after the Federal Aviation Administration extended its slot restrictions at Chicago O’Hare until October 30, 2027, in an effort to reduce congestion, delays, and air traffic overload. The restrictions were originally due to expire this October but will now remain in place for another year.
The affected airports include:
Champaign and Bloomington, Illinois
Kalamazoo, Lansing, and Marquette, Michigan
La Crosse and Wausau, Wisconsin
Tri-Cities, Tennessee
Erie, Pennsylvania
Rochester, Minnesota
United says it intends to revisit these route launches once the FAA restrictions are lifted, but for now the expansion has been put on hold.
The announcement also comes amid growing concerns over potential cuts to the U.S. Essential Air Service (EAS) program. President Donald Trump’s proposed federal budget would reduce EAS funding by $372 million. The program currently provides subsidies that help maintain scheduled airline service to rural communities and small cities across the United States, with annual funding of approximately $633.5 million.
If approved, the funding reductions could further impact air connectivity for smaller communities that rely on federally supported regional flights.
