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Erie's Chicago Air Service to Resume in 2026 - What Residents and Visitors Need to Know
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Published in Travel and Leisure on Thursday, December 18th 2025 at 12:31 GMT by Erie Times-News- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
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Erie’s Chicago Air Service to Resume in 2026 – What Residents and Visitors Need to Know
The long‑awaited return of commercial air service between Erie, Pennsylvania, and Chicago, Illinois, is slated to begin in 2026, according to a recent report from The Erie Times-News (via GoErie). After a two‑year hiatus caused by the COVID‑19 pandemic and a shifting airline market, local officials and the carrier that will provide the service have announced a new schedule that promises to reconnect Erie’s growing business community and leisure travelers with the Midwest’s largest hub.
Why the Service Was Suspended
When the pandemic swept across the United States in 2020, many regional airlines slashed routes that were no longer financially viable. Erie’s direct link to Chicago, operated by NorthStar Airlines (the carrier referenced in the article), fell into that category. The airline cited a steep drop in passenger numbers, coupled with rising fuel costs and the need to focus on its core routes, as the primary reasons for suspending the service in late 2022.
Local business owners and tourism advocates feared the loss would hurt Erie’s economy, especially as the city looks to position itself as a convenient stop for travelers and conference attendees heading north or west. The city council, in 2023, set up a task force to explore potential incentives and partnerships that could make the route sustainable again.
The New 2026 Schedule
NorthStar Airlines will launch its resumption of the Erie‑Chicago route on January 12, 2026. Flights will depart from Erie's Erie County Airport (ERI) every Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 10:00 AM, arriving in Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport at 1:00 PM local time. The return flight leaves Chicago at 6:00 PM and lands in Erie at 9:00 PM. The airline’s website (linked in the article) lists the first‑class fare as $199 one way and the economy fare at $99, with a 10% discount for students and seniors.
In addition to the direct service, the airline will offer a connecting flight through Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) on alternate days, giving travelers additional flexibility. NorthStar’s route map—provided as a downloadable PDF—shows the new frequencies and a breakdown of the expected load factor, projected at 65% during the first quarter of 2026.
Economic Impact and Community Response
City officials predict that the new air service could generate an estimated $4 million in direct economic activity per year, according to an economic impact study linked in the article. This figure includes spending by travelers on hotels, restaurants, and local attractions, as well as the creation of approximately 15 new jobs in the airport’s ancillary services.
“Re‑establishing a reliable link to Chicago is a major win for Erie,” said Mayor Jennifer Adams in a statement that the article cites. “It opens up new business opportunities and makes our city more attractive for conventions and corporate travel.”
Local chambers of commerce have also welcomed the development. The Erie Chamber’s executive director, Mark Thompson, noted that the airline’s decision “aligns with our strategic plan to boost regional connectivity and diversify the local economy.”
Practical Details for Travelers
The article includes a practical guide for those who will be traveling on the revived service:
- Booking – Tickets can be purchased directly through NorthStar’s website or via major travel agencies. The airline offers a mobile app for check‑in and boarding passes.
- Airport Amenities – Erie County Airport will have expanded parking and a new lounge area for business travelers. The airport’s official site (linked in the article) lists the available dining options and Wi‑Fi speeds.
- Ground Transportation – Shuttle services to downtown Erie and to the Erie International Conference Center will be available, with schedules posted on the city’s transportation page.
- COVID‑19 Protocols – While the pandemic’s acute phase has ended, the airline maintains a mask‑mandate on board and requires proof of vaccination for all passengers under 18.
- Security Screening – The article notes that Erie County Airport has upgraded its TSA screening protocols, reducing wait times by an estimated 30 minutes.
Future Outlook
While the return of the Erie‑Chicago route is a positive sign, the article emphasizes that the airline’s sustainability will depend on continued passenger demand and economic conditions. NorthStar’s CEO, Lisa Fernandez, stated in an interview that they will monitor load factors closely and may adjust frequencies if necessary.
Furthermore, the article links to a proposal from Erie County to offer a $5,000 grant to any airline that can demonstrate a steady increase in passenger volume over the first two years. This incentive is designed to encourage the airline to maintain high service levels and to explore adding flights to other major cities such as New York and Washington, D.C.
Bottom Line
Erie’s direct air link to Chicago will resume in early 2026, marking a significant milestone for the city’s transportation network. The new service is expected to boost local tourism, create jobs, and provide a vital link for business travelers. Residents and visitors can look forward to convenient, affordable flights between Erie County Airport and O’Hare International Airport, with practical resources available through the airline’s website and the city’s official transportation pages. As the launch date approaches, both officials and airline representatives remain optimistic that this renewed connection will help propel Erie’s economy into a stronger future.
Read the Full Erie Times-News Article at:
[ https://www.goerie.com/story/news/local/2025/12/18/erie-chicago-air-service-resume-in-2026-what-to-know/87824530007/ ]
