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Non-Stop Flights To Chicago O'Hare Coming To Fresno Airport

Joe Moore
/
Valley Public Radio
Cloud Gate, a sculpture by Anish Kapoor is a popular Chicago landmark

The Fresno Yosemite International Airport will soon have a new route, with non-stop service to one of the nation’s busiest airports. Valley Public Radio’s Laura Tsutsui reports.

Fresno Mayor Lee Brand announced on Monday  that United Airlines will be offering daily direct flights to Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport next summer. Brand says daily flights to one of the largest airports in the world will open up opportunities for both traveling and jobs.

Brand: "And this will bring 123 both direct and indirect jobs,  and $6.2 million of economic activity in our area."

Fresno’s Director of Aviation, Kevin Meikle (Michael) says that the new route is the result of the city’s economic progress, citing the recruitment of Ulta and Amazon fulfillment centers, and ongoing conversations with the airlines.

Meikle: “In response to United’s commitment to our market and this new service, I have just two words: use it. Just get out there and use it.”

The Fresno Yosemite Airport already offers daily, non-stop flights to Los Angeles, San Francisco, and other major airports across the nation.

Laura Tsutsui was a reporter and producer for Valley Public Radio. She joined the station in 2017 as a news intern, and later worked as a production assistant and weekend host. Laura covered local issues ranging from politics to housing, and produced the weekly news program Valley Edition. She left the station in November 2020.