United Airlines to Launch Nonstop Flights from Ontario to Chicago in May 2025
In a significant development for air travel in Southern California, United Airlines has announced the commencement of daily nonstop flights from Ontario International Airport (ONT) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) starting May 2025. This service marks a pivotal addition to ONT’s offerings, bringing its total number of nonstop destinations to 27.
The Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA) expressed its excitement regarding the new route, with the airport's president, Alan D. Wapner, highlighting how the flights will enable travelers from Ontario to connect to various global destinations through one of the world's busiest airports. The inaugural flight is set to depart from Ontario on May 22, 2025, with a westbound flight and May 23, 2025, for the eastbound leg. Travelers can expect daily departures from ONT at 7 a.m. Pacific Time, returning from ORD at 7:55 p.m. Central Time.
The route, utilizing a Boeing 737-800 aircraft configured to accommodate 166 passengers across three classes—First, Economy Plus, and Economy—is designed to provide seamless connections to United's extensive network of over 180 nonstop destinations around the globe. This new service will complement existing flights from Ontario to major cities such as Denver, Houston, and San Francisco.
OIAA’s CEO, Atif Elkadi, remarked that this new service is a testament to the strong demand for air travel and the confidence airline partners have in the facilities and services provided at ONT. He also noted that in 2024, Ontario International Airport welcomed over 7 million passengers, marking a 27% increase compared to pre-pandemic numbers from 2019 and a remarkable 67% growth since 2016.
Ontario International Airport has gained a reputation as California's most popular mid-sized airport, as reflected in the recent North America Airport Satisfaction Study conducted by J.D. Power. The airport is strategically located approximately 35 miles east of downtown Los Angeles and serves as a full-service facility, providing nonstop commercial flights to major airports across the United States, as well as destinations in Mexico, Central America, and Taiwan.
The Ontario International Airport Authority, formed in 2012, oversees the airport's operations and has made significant strides in improving the travel experience for passengers. The vision behind the new United Airlines flights is to enhance accessibility and convenience for travelers in the Inland Empire area, allowing them to connect easily to a broader range of global destinations.
In summary, the upcoming nonstop flights from Ontario to Chicago by United Airlines marking a new chapter for Ontario International Airport is sure to be welcomed by both business and leisure travelers alike. It reflects the airport's commitment to growth and service excellence, placing it firmly on the aviation map as a key gateway for Southern California travel needs. Travelers are encouraged to stay updated for further announcements regarding ticket sales and scheduling as the launch date approaches.