Southern Utah Travelers Gain New Gateway as St. George Airport Expands to Chicago

Southern Utah Travelers Gain New Gateway as St. George Airport Expands to Chicago

St. George Regional Airport is on track for another record-breaking year, and that momentum is already opening doors to new destinations. Beginning May 2026, travelers will be able to fly directly from St. George to Chicago O’Hare International Airport on a new seasonal United Airlines route, operated by SkyWest Airlines.

The addition marks a major milestone for the region’s rapidly expanding air network, giving Southern Utah residents easier access to the East Coast and international destinations.

“This is a big step forward,” said Airport Manager Dustin Warren. “It connects our community to one of the largest hubs in the country, with endless travel options out of Chicago.”

Expanding Connections Across the Country

SkyWest Airlines, headquartered in St. George, currently operates all commercial service for United, Delta, and American Airlines at the regional airport. SkyWest CFO Robert Simmons said the new route fills one of the few remaining gaps in the airport’s national reach.

“Chicago is the hub we’ve been missing,” Simmons said. “We already have routes that link us to major cities like Los Angeles, which connects to Hawaii and Asia. Adding Chicago expands our reach to Europe, New York, Florida, and beyond.”

The new flight will operate during United’s evening connection window, making it easier for passengers from Southern Utah to make same-day transfers to dozens of East Coast and international destinations.

A Year of Unprecedented Growth

The Chicago announcement follows an extraordinary run of passenger growth at St. George Regional Airport.

According to city data, total passenger traffic jumped from 269,209 in 2023 to 318,532 in 2024—an increase of about 18%. By the end of the third quarter of 2025, the airport had already surpassed 313,000 travelers, setting the stage for another all-time high.

“We’re seeing growth levels far beyond the national average,” Warren said. “The FAA considers 3% annual growth healthy. We’re up in the 30% range, year over year.”

Expansion on the Horizon

With that growth has come new challenges. The airport’s 34,000-square-foot terminal is nearing capacity, and design work is already underway for a significant expansion.

Plans call for an 88,000-square-foot facility with an additional concourse, larger baggage areas, and more room for passengers. The city is currently waiting for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) funding approval, which has been delayed due to the ongoing federal budget freeze.

“Once we get that green light, we’ll move forward quickly,” Warren said. “The expansion is essential for meeting current and future demand.”

New Air Traffic Control Tower Underway

Construction has already begun on a new air traffic control tower, which broke ground earlier this fall. The project is expected to take about 13 months, with completion anticipated by late 2026.

“The foundation work is done, and we’ll start to see the tower take shape soon,” Warren said. “It’s an exciting addition that will improve both safety and efficiency.”

Funding for the project came from a collaboration between state, county, and city leaders—something Simmons said reflects the community’s commitment to the airport’s future.

“Without this new tower, we’d be limited in how many flights we can offer,” Simmons explained. “This investment allows us to grow alongside the region.”

A Hub for a Growing Community

With projects like the terminal expansion and new tower moving forward, airport officials say St. George Regional is positioning itself as a key player in the West’s regional air travel network.

“The demand is here,” Simmons said. “Every week, the parking lot is fuller, the flights are busier, and more people are discovering how easy it is to fly from St. George.”

Warren added that the new Chicago route strengthens the airport’s reputation on a national scale.

“With this connection, St. George will now have direct access to four of the five busiest airports in the U.S.,” he said. “It’s another example of how our city continues to grow and connect.”

For now, travelers can look forward to even more convenient options when booking flights in and out of Southern Utah—proof that what was once a small regional airport has quickly become a gateway to the world.

 

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