Four-Year Return to Kalamazoo Airport Delayed by Chicago Congestion

*Kalamazoo, MI —* United Airlines will bring new direct flights to Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport, but the start date has been pushed back to June 1 due to FAA-imposed capacity restrictions at Chicago O'Hare.

The airline had announced in January that it would resume service at AZO with four daily flights to Chicago O'Hare, beginning April 30. United last flew out of Kalamazoo on Jan. 3, 2022, before canceling the route amid widespread pandemic-era route reductions.

That timeline has now slipped by two months, though officials say the service is still coming.

Due to temporary capacity constraints in Chicago, the Federal Aviation Administration has placed operational restrictions affecting United Airlines and American Airlines. As a result, United has delayed its start of service to and from AZO to June 1,

said Craig Williams, airport director.

The delay stems from FAA measures designed to reduce congestion at one of the nation's busiest airports. United is working with passengers who already booked flights to provide alternative options or refunds.

Six Routes Hit by FAA Limits

United's postponed service is part of a broader pattern affecting six regional routes from Chicago O'Hare. The affected routes include:

  • Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport (AZO)
  • Bloomington Central Illinois Regional Airport (BMI)
  • Champaign University of Illinois Willard Airport (CMI)
  • La Crosse Regional Airport (LSE)
  • Lansing Capital Region International Airport (LAN)
  • Rochester International Airport (RST)

All six routes were scheduled to begin in late April or early May. United has removed availability for these flights through May, effectively pausing their introduction.

The FAA first introduced voluntary flight caps at O'Hare in 2023 to address chronic delays caused by air traffic control staffing shortages. These measures have been extended multiple times, particularly during peak travel periods.

This level of operations is manageable given the current infrastructure and staffing resources available at ORD,

the FAA stated when proposing the limits for the summer scheduling season.

Current Airport Options

American Airlines currently operates two to three daily flights between AZO and Chicago. Delta provides two daily flights to Detroit.

The addition of United would increase total daily flights to Chicago to six or seven per day once the service resumes.

Despite the postponement, airport officials said they remain optimistic about the new service and believe it will bring expanded travel opportunities and long-term benefits to the community,

Williams said.

What This Means for Travelers

For Kalamazoo residents seeking direct access to Chicago, the June 1 start date means a two-month wait. Passengers who currently need to fly to Chicago will continue using American Airlines or connecting through other airports.

Alternative options include traveling to nearby airports such as Detroit or Milwaukee, though these routes typically require longer travel times.