Chicago O’Hare to Welcome 17 European Airlines in July 2026

Chicago O’Hare International Airport is set to host a total of 17 European passenger airlines starting in July 2026, marking the highest number in seven years. This significant expansion highlights O’Hare’s position as the United States’ third-busiest airport for flights to Europe, with an anticipated average of 54 daily departures according to data from Cirium Diio.

American Airlines and United Airlines dominate the market, accounting for over half of the flights at 52%. However, the introduction of various European carriers, including the Romanian airline HiSky, represents a notable shift in O’Hare’s international offerings. HiSky will commence its inaugural flight to Chicago on June 4, 2026, adding to the diversity of the airport’s European connections.

Key European Carriers and Their Operations

Among the 17 airlines expected to operate from O’Hare, seven are projected to offer more than one daily flight. Notable carriers include Lufthansa, British Airways, and Turkish Airlines, each planning between two and four daily departures. The majority of these airlines are affiliated with either the oneworld or Star Alliance alliances, reflecting the strategic importance of American and United’s presence at O’Hare.

Lufthansa stands out as the leading European airline at O’Hare, bolstered by its partnership with United. It will operate two routes from its primary hub in Frankfurt, utilizing its quadjets, the Airbus A340-300 and Boeing 747-8i. Lufthansa’s flight schedule indicates that two out of three of its twin-aisle flights from Frankfurt will be serviced by these aircraft.

The anticipated flight operations for July 2026 include:

– **Lufthansa**: Three to four daily flights from Frankfurt and Munich.
– **British Airways**: Three daily flights to London Heathrow.
– **Turkish Airlines**: Two to three daily flights to Istanbul.

Other carriers such as Aer Lingus, Icelandair, and SWISS also plan to contribute to the daily flight roster, enhancing O’Hare’s connectivity to Europe.

New Entrants and Market Dynamics

HiSky’s entry into the market is particularly noteworthy, as it will introduce its Airbus A330-200 aircraft to the O’Hare route, featuring a capacity of 274 seats. With 24 seats in business class and 250 in economy, the Bucharest-Chicago route will serve as HiSky’s second U.S. destination after New York JFK. Booking data indicates a modest demand for this route, with only 18,000 round-trip passengers recorded in the past year, primarily from the Romanian American community.

In terms of other European connections, airlines such as Air France, Austrian Airlines, and Finnair are also set to maintain daily services from O’Hare, contributing to a robust European presence at the airport.

The return of Air Serbia to O’Hare in May 2023 after a 32-year absence further emphasizes the evolving landscape of air travel from Chicago. The airline aims to cater to the significant Serbian American population and connect passengers to cities across the Balkan region.

Despite some airlines exiting the O’Hare market in recent years, including Norwegian and WOW Air, the overall interest in European travel remains strong. United Airlines has recently expanded its own service to Barcelona, reflecting the ongoing demand for transatlantic flights.

As Chicago O’Hare prepares for this influx of European airlines, passengers can anticipate enhanced options and potentially increased competition among carriers, promising to enrich the travel experience for those flying between the U.S. and Europe.