Travel will soon get a little easier for Minnesotans itching to skip the layovers, as United Airlines says it's adding brand-new nonstop flights to the Land of 10,000 Lakes. The expansion means more direct connections, fewer travel headaches, and a smoother path home (or away) for thousands of flyers.
United Airlines Adds New Nonstop Flights to Minnesota in 2026
Usually, when we get news that an airline is adding flights to and from Minnesota, the routes involve the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP). It is, after all, the largest airport in the entire state.
But this news involves a different airport: The airport in Minnesota's third-largest city-- and largest city outside the Twin Cities metro-- Rochester International Airport (RST).
The airport serving Minnesota's Med City of Rochester just announced that United Airlines will be adding direct service from southeast Minnesota to the Windy City of Chicago, Illinois.
Rochester Airport Lands Direct United Flights to Chicago
According to a post on the RST Facebook page, the new flights are set to start next spring:
United is launching 3 daily, year-round flights from RST to Chicago O’Hare (ORD) starting April 30, 2026, on their super-premium CRJ-550 jet.
The story went on to list the benefits these new direct flights to Chicago will soon provide to travelers looking to head out of the North Star State:
- Access to 183+ destinations through United’s global network
- One-stop flights to Maui, Belgium, Zurich, Ireland, and more
- First-Class seating, Wi-Fi, and onboard refreshments
- Loyalty perks + status match for Delta & American travelers
In addition to the added non-stop flights from United Airlines, RST also made another big announcement concerning ongoing updates at its facilities, located just off Highway 63 and Olmsted County Road 30, saying that it just secured 'over 70 million dollars in federal grant funding,' a post on the RST Facebook page noted.
Rochester International Airport Receives $70 Million for Major Upgrades
ALSO INTERESTING: New Parking Rules to Go Into Effect This Week in Minnesota
The post also said that these new funds, which will be used to 'support major infrastructure upgrades that expand capacity and improve the safety and experience for every traveler who flies locally,' the post noted, and are also the largest RST has ever received.
Listen to Curt St. John & Samm Adams
Weekdays from 6 to 10 a.m. on Quick Country 96.5
The 10 Richest Neighborhoods in Rochester
Gallery Credit: Curt St. John
More From Quick Country 96.5
