Willard Airport and its community partners met in person with ten airlines in 2025 to make the case for new air service. Those conversations have been productive as the airline industry continues to evolve and carriers increasingly seek markets that can generate strong leisure and blended demand.
This work is already paying off. United Airlines announced new nonstop service between Willard Airport and Chicago, beginning April 30, 2026, strengthening the airport’s connectivity and reaffirming airline confidence in the Champaign-Urbana market.
At the same time, efforts to recruit additional service in incentivized markets continue. Broad community support remains essential for securing new routes. To date, partners have pledged nearly $2 million in incentives to support service to a Washington, DC–area airport, including an $850,000 U.S. Department of Transportation Small Community Air Service Development Grant and $1,000,000 in University funds. Partners have also committed more than $850,000 in incentives to support potential service to destinations in Florida, Arizona, or Nevada.
While these commitments are significant, many competing communities are offering $3 million to $5 million per route, underscoring that the work is not finished. Demand for air service in Champaign County has fully recovered to pre-pandemic levels. A recent passenger study shows the county generates nearly 2,700 round-trip passengers per day. However, fewer travelers are using Willard Airport simply because there are not enough flights or seats available.
Airport leadership will meet again with airline partners in April, armed with updated business cases demonstrating the market’s ability to support additional destinations and expanded service. The announcement of United’s new Chicago flight marks important progress and reinforces the message that with continued community support, more growth is possible.
