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 1 and later delayed again until October 25, 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.
Don Bell says
Mr. Finstad recently posted an editorial in the Fillmore County Journal calling for additional airline service for access to the Mayo Clinic. It will make it easier for all of the International Clientele and wealthy Americans who want the services of the Mayo Clinic. It does nothing to improve the medical care for the folks who live in Southeastern Minnesota.
If Mr Finstad wanted to improve the lives and healthcare of his constituents, he might consider funding for local clinics in rural areas with access to our area medical services provided by Emplify, Olmsted and Mayo. The high cost of fuel is certainly a factor with the issue of driving 40 miles or more for health care.
Anonymous says
Is this small government? Why not let the airlines determine if they can afford to keep routes going? I’ve seen so many airlines/routes come and go out of RST over the years. Do we need to prop this up too?