News Summary
American Airlines is set to launch nonstop flights from Chattanooga Airport to Chicago O’Hare International Airport, beginning October 6, 2025. This new daily service enhances travel options for both business and leisure travelers by connecting a major aviation hub and increasing accessibility for local residents. The service will use Embraer 175 aircraft and offers flexible flight schedules. Local leaders view this addition as a milestone for Chattanooga’s growth, promoting further economic opportunities and improved regional connectivity.
Chattanooga Introduces New Nonstop Flights to Chicago
American Airlines will launch nonstop service from Chattanooga Airport (CHA) to Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) starting on October 6, 2025. This new daily flight service aims to provide travelers with increased options to connect to one of the country’s major aviation hubs, enhancing both business and leisure travel opportunities.
The Chicago route adds to the airline’s existing nonstop flights from Chattanooga to several important destinations, including Charlotte, North Carolina; Washington, D.C.; Dallas-Fort Worth; and seasonal services to Miami. The addition of this route is viewed as a significant step towards expanding travel choices and improving accessibility for local residents.
American Airlines plans to operate the new flights using Embraer 175 aircraft. The scheduled departure times from CHA are 7:25 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., with arrivals at ORD expected at 8:25 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. The return flights from ORD to CHA are set for 1:54 p.m. and 7:05 p.m., with arrival times back in Chattanooga at 4:30 p.m. and 9:41 p.m. respectively. This schedule will provide travelers with flexible options throughout the day.
Benefits for Business and Leisure Travelers
The introduction of the Chicago service significantly enhances connectivity to a wide range of onward travel options available through American Airlines’ extensive network. This increases accessibility for those traveling for work or leisure, benefiting the local economy and regional tourism. Jordan Pack, the airline’s director of domestic network planning, stated that American Airlines now offers more nonstop flights from Chattanooga than any other airline, providing direct service to five destinations nationwide.
Local Leadership and Regional Impact
Local leaders regard this new flight as a milestone for Chattanooga Airport’s growth and its position within the national transportation network. April Cameron, president and CEO of Chattanooga Airport, indicated that the addition of service to Chicago exemplifies how competition among airlines can lead to more choices for travelers and potentially lower airfare.
Jim Hall, chairman of the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport Authority board, noted the significance of enhancing regional transportation connections with each new route introduced. This commitment to improving air travel facilitates greater economic opportunities and better connectivity within the region.
Future Implications
As the new service approaches its launch date, travelers in the Chattanooga area can look forward to increased travel convenience, enabling easier connections to numerous destinations. The local community anticipates that this addition may lead to further developments in air service offerings, encouraging more airlines to consider routes to and from Chattanooga.
Overall, the introduction of nonstop flights from Chattanooga to Chicago marks a pivotal development in the area’s air travel capabilities, fostering both economic growth and enhanced connectivity for its residents.
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Additional Resources
- Chattanoogan: American Airlines Announces Nonstop Service
- Times Free Press: American Airlines to Offer Nonstop Service
- Simple Flying: American Airlines to Offer Twice-Daily Flights
- WDEF: Chattanooga Airport Adds Non-Stop Service
- Wikipedia: American Airlines
- Google Search: Chattanooga Airport
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Airline
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
