South Carolina Air National Guard Concludes Temporary Relocation at CAE
American Airlines recently announced that beginning May 21, 2026, the legacy airline will restart nonstop service from Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) to Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD). The route will operate two flights a day – seven days a week. The airline plans to utilize an Embraer 170 – a regional jet with 65 seats and a First-Class cabin.
“American is delighted to connect Columbia Metropolitan Airport with our Chicago O’Hare hub,” said Jordan Pack, American Airlines Director of Domestics Network Planning. “With more service than any other airline from CAE, we’re continuing to give local residents unparalleled global connectivity to more than 350 destinations worldwide.”
Currently, the route is scheduled:
- Departing CAE at 6 a.m. and arriving at ORD at 7:21 a.m.
- Departing ORD at 1:38 p.m. and arriving at CAE at 4:48 p.m.
- Departing CAE at 5:18 p.m. and arriving at ORD at 6:39 p.m.
- Departing ORD at 7:05 p.m. and arriving at CAE at 10:15 p.m.
“We are excited for the return of this nonstop route and appreciate the longstanding partnership we have with American Airlines,” said Vice President of Marketing & Air Service Development, Kim Crafton. “Having another option of service to the Windy City provides our community and valued passengers with even more opportunities for convenient air travel for leisure and business travel, economic development and tourism.”
For more information about CAE, to book flights for your next trip or to stay up to date on what’s happening at your local airport, please visit www.FlyCAE.com.
Tickets are now available for purchase on AA.com or through American Airline’s mobile app. *Flight schedules are subject to change. Visit AA.com for the latest flight information.