LANSING – United Airlines will delay its new nonstop service between Lansing’s Capital Region International Airport and Chicago O’Hare International Airport due to a tighter schedule at Chicago O’Hare.
United Airlines announced the delay between the two airports on May 1, saying it was in response to the Federal Aviation Administration’s push to limit flights this summer at the Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) to prevent delays during its busiest travel season.
United had been expected to start the new nonstop service on May 7 with four daily nonstop flights. In a Jan. 27 news release, Nicole Noll-Williams, the Lansing airport’s president and CEO, described the Lansing-Chicago route as “critically important” to the region.
“We understand this news may disrupt your travel plans, and we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience. Our team is committed to helping you find the best solution for you situation,” United Airlines said in a May 1 email.
Nonstop flights from Lansing to Chicago are expected to become available on Oct. 25.
In the meantime, travelers are recommended to contact an agent at United Airlines to review alternative flight options, according to the email.
As of May 4, the United Airlines website offers tickets from Lansing to Chicago with two stops. Tickets do not appear for flights from Chicago to Lansing with a pop-up saying, “We’re sorry, but united.com was unable to complete your request. Please try again later.”
United Airlines did not immediately respond for a comment on the delay.
In April, the FAA initiated a temporary flight cap at ORD through the end of October 2026.
“ORD is the busiest airport in America by flight volume, with more than 3,080 flights planned on peak days for summer 2026, which represents a 14.9% peak-day increase over summer 2025. The FAA’s action – known as a scheduling reduction – limits daily operations to 2,708 to prevent a dramatic increase from last summer’s peak daily schedule,” the FAA said in a April 16 press release.
United pulled out of Capital Region International airport in January 2022. The airline also pulled out of Kalamazoo and six other cities at the time, citing changes in the long-term sustainability of its regional routes. Officials said a pilot shortage and the slow return of air travelers following the COVID-19 pandemic impacted revenues.
In 2020, federal officials allowed United to suspend flights into and out of Lansing’s airport for several months because of plummeting demand tied to the pandemic.
The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce lauded United’s return to Lansing, saying reliable connectivity strengthens the region’s ability to attract new employers and support existing ones.
Chicago-based United has hubs in Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco and Washington, D.C.
Contact Sarah Moore @smoore@lsj.com
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: United Airlines delays nonstop service from Lansing. What to know
Reporting by Sarah Moore, USA TODAY NETWORK / Lansing State Journal
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