BREAKING: Tri-Cities Airport (TRI) has just announced a game-changing addition to its flight offerings: new daily nonstop service to Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) starting May 21, 2026. Tickets for this highly anticipated route went on sale December 22, 2023, providing travelers the opportunity to book their flights immediately.
This new service is set to revolutionize travel for residents of the Tri-Cities region, granting them direct access to one of the largest airline hubs in the world. With nonstop flights to Chicago O’Hare, passengers can seamlessly connect to hundreds of destinations across the United States and internationally, enhancing travel options significantly.
Gene Cossey, president and CEO of Tri-Cities Airport, stated,
“This is a significant addition for our airport and our region, one we’ve been working toward for a long time. We know there’s strong demand for this service, so we’re excited to finally be able to offer it to our local passengers.”
This sentiment reflects the community’s eagerness for improved air service, which has been a priority for local businesses and stakeholders.
The launch is backed by a collaborative effort among local partners, businesses, and community leaders. TRI recently secured $900,000 through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Small Community Air Service Development (SCASD) Program, which played a crucial role in facilitating this new route. This funding underscores the demand for enhanced air service and aims to bolster regional economic development.
Franco Tedeschi, vice president of U.S. airports and strategic partnerships at American Airlines, expressed enthusiasm about the new route, saying,
“This route is designed to foster connections — whether meeting with business partners, visiting family, or exploring new destinations, customers in the Tri-Cities region will now have easier access to hundreds of cities across our global network.”
Such connections are vital for both personal and professional travel, making this service a significant benefit to residents.
The SCASD Program is dedicated to helping small and midsize communities enhance their air service and improve access to the national air transportation system. Over the past year, TRI has worked diligently to align federal resources with local support to establish sustainable air service that meets regional demands.
As of now, travelers can book their flights to Chicago O’Hare through the American Airlines website at aa.com. With this new daily nonstop service, Tri-Cities Airport is set to enhance connectivity and provide unprecedented convenience for local travelers.
Stay tuned for more updates as the launch date approaches, and don’t miss your chance to experience the new route that will connect Tri-Cities to a world of travel opportunities.
