The United Airlines service between Erie and Chicago has been pushed back once again.
Flights between the two airports were originally scheduled to begin in May but were pushed back to Oct. 24, 2026 due to Federal Aviation Administration flight cuts. This delay was recently extended to October 2027.
The initial delay occurred April 20 after the FAA ordered a reduction of over 300 daily flights at the Chicago O’Hare International Airport. The order went into effect on May 17.
Derek Martin, executive director of the Erie International Airport, said the FAA recently extended Chicago O’Hare’s flight reductions through October 2027.
Why did the FAA initially reduce flights for Chicago?
These reductions, according to the FAA, were done “to prevent widespread flight delays,” during peak summer travel season.
“Our number one priority is the safety of the flying public, and that means ensuring airline schedules reflect what the system can safely handle,” said FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford in an April 16, 2026 news release. “We appreciate the airlines working together with us to reach a responsible level of operations that strengthens safety and delivers a more reliable travel experience for the American public.”
The original order restricted operations for a total of 2,708 daily arriving and departing flights. It went into effect May 17 and was scheduled to expire in late October.
This order not only impacted the service between Chicago and Erie but also more than 2,700 other daily arriving and departing flights.
Erie International Airport sees impact from United delay
Martin says the order not only delays the start of the new service, but when United Airlines will begin to pay the Erie airport rent as well.
Rent is determined based on multiple factors including landing planes, fuel, terminal space, and passenger traffic.
Martin said that because the Erie-Chicago United service was announced Dec. 18, 2025, and the 2026 budget was approved in November 2025, the delays will have no negative impact on the budget. This is because those flights were not anticipated when the budget was adopted.
However, the FAA restriction order impacts airport revenue due to fewer travelers going through the airport.
The Times-News previously reported Martin said it is unknown how many travelers would be impacted by the delay as the Erie International Airport does not receive ticket information.
If you did purchase a ticket with United Airlines to or from Erie before these delays were announced, accommodation will be made by United.
American Airlines already flying between Chicago and Erie
There’s still an opportunity for travelers to fly between Erie and Chicago.
The flights with American Airlines began on June 4 after being delayed from starting in May.
