Chicago and Denver Welcome 2 New Regional Routes in August

Updated: April 14, 2025, 2:07pm CDT

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New Regional Routes From Chicago
New Regional Routes From Denver
Final Thoughts

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This August, both American Airlines and United Airlines will add new regional routes from 2 of the country’s most important hub airports.

Chicago (ORD) will get new connections to Idaho Falls, Idaho (IDA) and Lafayette, Indiana (LAF), while Denver (DEN) will be connected with Pierre, South Dakota (PIR) and Watertown, New York (ART). Each of the 4 routes will be operated by SkyWest on behalf of either American or United.

Let’s take a look at the new regional routes in more detail.

New Regional Routes From Chicago

Idaho Falls

From August 6 through October 6, 2025, American Airlines will connect Chicago and Idaho Falls with daily service using a regional CRJ700 jet.

When it launches, American will be the only airline to operate nonstop service between the 2 airports. As such, the new route will provide increased travel opportunities, especially for those living in and around Idaho Falls.

Lafayette

United will start a 12x weekly service to Lafayette — also known as Purdue University Airport — from Chicago on August 5 with 2x daily services on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays.

SkyWest’s fleet of CRJ200 regional jets will be deployed on this niche regional route. Interestingly, small regional airline Southern Airways Express also serves the route with 9-seater Cessna Caravan aircraft.

The arrival of United at Lafayette will facilitate travel for those looking to connect onword using United’s extensive route network from Chicago.

United Airlines B777 200 plane taxiing at Chicago ORD — United flies to dozens of destinations across the globe from Chicago (ORD) where it is headquartered. Image Credit: Ryan Smith

New Regional Routes From Denver

SkyWest Airlines won a tender for the routes from Denver to Pierre, South Dakota and Watertown, New York, which it will take over from Key Lime Air — a Denver-based regional airline.

Both routes will start on August 1 and will be operated by regional SkyWest CRJ200 aircraft on behalf of United.

Service to Pierre will operate 12x per week with double daily services on Mondays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. United’s new service connecting Denver and Watertown will operate 1x daily.

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Final Thoughts

American and United have new routes from Chicago and Denver to regional airports in Idaho, Indiana, New York, and South Dakota. These will facilitate travel this summer, especially when connecting to domestic or international flights.

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