Improving Business in the Wilmington Region

United Airlines Announces New Nonstop Destination, Extends Chicago Service

December 19, 2024

Credit: WilmingtonBiz

United Airlines is adding a destination and increasing service to Chicago at Wilmington International Airport (ILM).

The increase in United’s Chicago service next summer will consist of flights daily between ILM and Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), according to an announcement Thursday morning.

The airline will also offer new nonstop service to Denver (DEN) on Saturdays from ILM during the summer season.

United served Wilmington to Chicago O’Hare with weekend-only service last summer, the release stated. “The passenger demand led the airline to increase service between Wilmington and Chicago O’Hare from twice weekly (Sat & Sun) to daily,” according to the release.

Denver did not have a nonstop from Wilmington by any air carrier prior.

With these additions, United will be serving three of its mainland hubs from Wilmington – Chicago, Denver and New York/Newark, the release stated.

“United is proud to offer Wilmington residents, and travelers passing through, more flexibility when traveling,” said Mark Weithofer, managing director of domestic planning for United, in the release. “Chicago and Denver are not only fantastic cities to visit, but they are home to our two largest hubs, helping to unlock travel to the most popular destinations.”

Airport director Jeff Bourk said Denver has been a top unserved market for Wilmington.

Another airline at ILM had big news earlier this month. On Dec. 4, Avelo Airlines announced its plans to establish a base at Wilmington International Airport and add three new nonstop destinations, including Nashville, Tennessee (BNA).

The other two nonstop flights are to Rochester, New York (ROC), and Boston/Manchester, New Hampshire (MHT), beginning in April.