United Airlines Launches Service Between Rochester, MN International Airport (RST) and Chicago O'Hare (ORD)
Credit: United Airlines
The new service will operate three times daily, year-round, using United’s CRJ-550 super-premium regional jet and connect Rochester to 183 communities around the world with one stop.
Rochester, MN International Airport (RST), together with the City of Rochester, MN and the Rochester Airport Company Board of Directors—a wholly owned subsidiary of Mayo Clinic—is thrilled to announce that United Airlines will launch new service connecting Rochester (RST) and Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) beginning April 30, 2026.
The new service will operate three times daily, year-round, using United’s CRJ-550 super-premium regional jet. This addition marks an exciting expansion of travel options for southeastern Minnesota, offering convenient connections to 183 destinations worldwide through United’s extensive Chicago hub.
“This is a tremendous win for our community,” said John Reed, Executive Director of Rochester International Airport. “United’s return with three daily flights will make travel easier for both residents and visitors. The ability to connect to hundreds of domestic and international destinations through Chicago enhances Rochester’s global connectivity.”
United’s new RST–ORD service provides travelers with flexible morning, midday, and evening departures in both directions, creating options well-suited for business, medical, and leisure travelers alike. Passengers will also enjoy enhanced onboard amenities aboard the CRJ-550, including more leg room, First-Class seating, Wi-Fi access, personal device streaming, and a self-serve refreshment station.
| Departing RST → ORD |
Arriving ORD → RST |
| 8:15 a.m. → 9:45 a.m. | 9:00 a.m. → 10:27 a.m. |
| 11:05 a.m. → 12:30 p.m. | 1:30 p.m. → 2:55 p.m. |
| 3:20 p.m. → 5:00 p.m. | 7:55 p.m. → 9:25 p.m. |
With the launch of United’s new service, travelers flying from RST will have one-stop access to premier destinations such as Maui, Belgium, Shannon (Ireland), and Zurich (Switzerland)—all available exclusively through United’s Chicago hub.
United previously operated service out of Rochester to Denver and O’Hare in 2020, suspending it in 2021.