SBA Welcomes Back Nonstop Service to Chicago

Santa Barbara Airport (SBA) is pleased to announce that United Airlines will resume nonstop service to Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) with daily service beginning April 6, 2026.

“SBA is thrilled to welcome back nonstop service to Chicago”, said Chris Hastert, Santa Barbara Airport Director. “This has been one of the most requested routes from our community, and we’re grateful to United Airlines for helping meet that demand. Restoring this direct connection to a key Midwest hub offers travelers additional options for travel across the country and beyond.” 

Seasonal service to Chicago was previously offered by United in the summers of 2021 and 2022.  

“Visit Santa Barbara is delighted to welcome the return of United Airlines’ nonstop service from Chicago to Santa Barbara,” said Kathy Janega-Dykes, President & CEO of Visit Santa Barbara. “Chicago is a vital Midwest hub for both leisure and business travel. This new service offers a convenient way for visitors to experience Santa Barbara’s extraordinary coastal beauty, vibrant food and wine scene, and myriad attractions. It also provides opportunities for local businesses and residents who will benefit from strong connectivity to the heart of the country. We deeply appreciate United Airlines and the Santa Barbara Airport team for their continued commitment to enhancing our region’s air service and supporting our local hospitality economy.”   

United Airlines currently offers nonstop routes to Denver (DEN), Los Angeles (LAX), and San Francisco (SFO) from Santa Barbara. The return of Chicago adds another key hub, expanding connectivity and providing travelers with access to hundreds of domestic and international destinations across United’s global network. 

Flights are now available for sale on United's website and mobile app.