In the latest airline schedule update, significant new route additions have been announced by American Airlines and United Airlines. This update was released in connection with data from Cirium Diio and OAG, which tracks schedule changes that can include aircraft alternations or changes in flight frequency.
American Airlines is set to introduce service from Chicago O’Hare to Idaho Falls, marking the first flights on this route since 1990. The service will be operated by American Eagle using SkyWest’s CRJ700 aircraft starting August 6. While the majority of passengers in this market have historically traveled from Idaho, American Airlines plans to target connecting traffic through O’Hare, especially during peak months from July to September.
In addition, American will begin a new route from Dallas/Fort Worth to Puerto Escondido in Mexico, starting December 3. This route will operate twice a week using the E175 aircraft managed by Envoy Air. According to the US Department of Transportation, Puerto Escondido recently saw its first US carrier service with United Express.
United Airlines, also making strides with new routes, will resume Essential Air Service flights from Denver to two South Dakota cities. These routes, from Denver to Pierre and Watertown, will begin on August 1, operated by SkyWest with CRJ200 aircraft. Each route will offer daily or semi-weekly flights. Denver Air Connection had previously managed these routes until their contracts expired earlier this year.
Furthermore, United Airlines will start 12 weekly flights from Chicago O’Hare to West Lafayette, explicitly serving Purdue University, beginning August 5. This service marks an increased attention to this market, which had been underserved until recently, when Southern Airways Express introduced services in 2024.
Southern Airways Express will face competition from SkyWest’s new 12-weekly operations on the same route. Southern has been utilizing nine-seat Cessna Caravans, and the market response to this increased service offering remains to be seen.
