American and United Airlines are dramatically expanding service between Harrisburg International Airport (MDT) and Chicago, with a combined 65% increase in flights between February and April 2026.

Why Chicago Matters to Central Pennsylvania

Chicago is central Pennsylvania’s top business travel destination and one of the most popular connecting hubs for destinations throughout the Midwest, West Coast, and international markets.

The business ties between south-central Pennsylvania and the Chicago region have always been strong. Industries including manufacturing, distribution, industrial supply chain, healthcare, higher education, and professional services create significant and consistent demand for air travel between our regions. Additionally, Chicago is a major source of visitors to central Pennsylvania—more than 62,000 Chicagoans visited our area in 2025.

Expanded Service Details

Both United and American Airlines—two of the world’s largest carriers—operate global hubs in Chicago. Between February 1st and April 30th, both airlines are substantially increasing flights, and central PA travelers will benefit greatly.

United Airlines, Chicago’s largest airline, will offer more than 625 daily departures to 197 destinations system-wide and increase available seats by 8%.

From HIA, United—soon to be HIA’s second-largest airline—will increase departures and seats by 37%. Starting April 1^st United will increase from four to six daily departures on aircraft ranging from 50 to 179 seats, all featuring Basic Economy, Economy Plus, and First-Class seating.

American Airlines, Chicago’s second-largest airline, will offer more than 520 daily departures to 162 destinations system-wide and increase available seats by 32%.

From HIA, American—central PA’s number one airline—will increase departures by 20% and seats by 133%. Beginning February 13th, American will operate two of its three daily flights on larger 128-seat Airbus A319 aircraft.  On April 8th, they add a fourth daily departure using a combination of 76-seat and 128-seat jets.  All AA flights will feature Main Cabin, Main Cabin Extra, and First-Class seating.

Departures Conveniently Scheduled throughout the day

Beginning April 9^th, see below, combined, American and United Airline will offer almost hourly departures between 5:30 am and 8:00 pm creating the most convenient flight schedule ever to Chicago from Harrisburg. 

Airline	Departure Time	Aircraft	Seats
American	5:38 am	Airbus 319	128
United	6:15 am	Boeing 737 – 700	126
United	8:29 am	Embraer 175	76
United	10:42 am	CRJ-550	50
American	11:53 am	Embraer 175	76
United	2:05 pm	CRJ-550	50
American	4:36 pm	Embraer 175	76
United	5:47 pm	Boeing 737 – 700	126
American	6:43 pm	Airbus 319	126
United	8:00 pm	CRJ-550	50

Use It or Lose It

Airlines reward markets that support expanded service with continued growth and additional opportunities. However, cities and regions that don’t utilize increased service will see it reduced—and it may not be offered again.

Book Your Flight

• American Airlines: www.aa.com
• United Airlines: www.united.com