Sawyer International adds United, additional flights to Chicago

What’s happening: More opportunities to fly out of Marquette will be available soon, as United Airlines announced it will offer three daily flights between Marquette Sawyer Regional and Chicago O’Hare International Airports. Sawyer is the Upper Peninsula’s largest airport for total passengers — doubling passenger amounts in and out of Houghton, Sault Ste. Marie and Iron Mountain — and connects with Minneapolis-St. Paul, Chicago and Detroit. 

With Delta and United still offering flights, this will be the first time that Marquette Sawyer will host three separate airlines since it opened in 1999. The Marquette area last had three airlines in 1996 at the previous airport in Negaunee Township. 

Connections and opportunities: United also announced nine other new locations along with Marquette Sawyer as part of the airline’s increased push to reach smaller regional airports. All 10 new routes will go to Chicago, using one of the United States’ biggest airports as a central hub. The flights will allow Central Upper Peninsula residents better access to more locations using connecting flights and helps more people reach the U.P. for work and tourism. 

What they’re saying: “We’re thrilled to welcome United Airlines to Marquette Sawyer Regional Airport,” said Sawyer Airport Manager David Erhart. “This partnership expands travel options for our residents and visitors while strengthening the economic vitality of our region.”  

What’s next: The new flight schedule will begin on May 21, 2026, giving customers and staff a little over six months to start coordinating logistics.