Industry News

Kalamazoo/Battle Creek Int’l Airport Welcomes United Airlines Return to Southwest Michigan

Jan 27, 2026 | News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – (Kalamazoo, Michigan) United Airlines today announced service from Kalamazoo, Michigan to Chicago O’Hare International Airport connecting to over 200-cities and bringing new connections to 48 new cities that were either two-stop or non-existent from Kalamazoo. “We are thrilled to partner with United Airlines to bring great service and variety,” said Craig Williams, Airport Director at the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport. “The demand for more flights and expanded connectivity has been clear, and this new service provides our community with additional options and improved access to destinations across the country and around the world.”
“We are thrilled to add new daily nonstop service between Kalamazoo and Chicago,” said Mark Weithofer, United’s Managing Director of Domestic Network Planning. “This opens up greater connectivity for travelers in southwest Michigan to Chicago and to destinations around the world with United’s extensive route network through its O’Hare hub – and offers them more direct service than any other airline at the airport.”
Customers can make reservations beginning Thursday, January 29th for flights beginning on April 30th. The new routes will operate daily on a mix of single and dual-class service aircraft.
Kalamazoo Departures
(daily departures)
Depart (AZO)
Arrive (ORD)
6:00 a.m.
6:12 a.m.
10:49 a.m.
11:03 a.m.
2:30 p.m.
2:42 p.m.
6:27 p.m.
6:41 p.m.
Kalamazoo Arrivals
(daily arrivals)
Depart (ORD)
Arrive (AZO)
7:45 a.m.
9:52 a.m.
11:40 a.m.
1:43 p.m.
3:35 p.m.
5:41 p.m.
9:27 p.m.
11:30 p.m.
Local leaders are weighing in on the announcement:
Greg Hamelink, Chair, Aeronautics Board of Trustees, Kalamazoo/Battle Creek Int’l Airport – “This new service is the result of strong partnerships and a shared commitment to improving air access for Kalamazoo and southwest Michigan. We’re proud to work with United Airlines and our regional partners to deliver more convenient travel options and continued progress for the Airport.”
 
Dr. Kevin Catlin, County Administrator/Controller – “This announcement reflects the importance of the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport’s benefit to residents and businesses across the County. Improved air access supports economic opportunity, enhances quality of life, and ensures Kalamazoo County remains well connected nationally and globally in the future.”
 
Jonas Peterson, CEO, Southwest Michigan First – “Reliable air service is a critical component of a competitive regional economy. United’s return to Kalamazoo strengthens our ability to attract and retain employers, support existing businesses, and connect our workforce to national and global markets. It’s another signal that southwest Michigan is positioned for growth.”
 
Jane Ghosh, President & CEO, Discover Kalamazoo – “Expanded air service makes it easier than ever for visitors to experience everything Kalamazoo County has to offer. This new connection opens the door to increased leisure travel, meetings, and events, driving visitor spending and ultimately supporting a vibrant community for residents to enjoy.”

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Airport Improvement