WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) sent a letter to the Secretary of the Department of Transportation (DOT), Sean Duffy, and the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Bryan Bedford, calling on the DOT and FAA to support United Airlines service between Rochester International Airport (RST) and Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) as soon as possible.
“By launching United Airlines flight service between Rochester and Chicago O’Hare, Rochester and its surrounding communities will be connected to 34 unique destination flights,” said Rep. Finstad. “This is not only important to the economic development of southern Minnesota but would also help improve health care access for those in our communities.”
Finstad continued, “Minnesota’s First District is lucky and proud to have Mayo Clinic in our backyard. With the continued investment and expansion of the hospital on the horizon through their Bold. Forward. Unbound. initiative, reliable air service is essential to ensuring patients and employees have access to time-sensitive medical assistance. I’m hopeful that Secretary Duffy and Administrator Bedford will quickly authorize United’s service from RST to ORD, expanding transportation options for residents across southeastern Minnesota and neighboring areas.”
Background:
- United Airlines was scheduled to launch service between Rochester and Chicago O’Hare International Airports on April 30, 2026, but it was delayed twice due to operational constraints at O’Hare.
- Service was first postponed to June 1st and later delayed again until October 25th, which affects Rochester and several other regional airports reliant on United’s Chicago hub.
- Although American Airlines currently provides Chicago service, United’s O’Hare hub offers access to 34 unique destinations not currently available through one-stop service from Rochester.
