It seems Mr Porter wants new places to explore, with Porter Airlines adding new USA destinations – Austin and Chicago O’Hare.
Austin (Texas)
The Austin service will start on 21st May 2026, operating five times weekly from Toronto Pearson Airport. As such, this will utilise an Embraer E195-E2 on this route.
Porter Embraer E195-E2 – Image, Embraer.
With the route being operated by one of Porter’s Embraer E195-E2, in-flight connectivity will be offered aboard, as well as their usual premium service offering and seating options.
Chicago O’Hare
On 1st September, Porter will switch operations on the Toronto-Billy Bishop – Chicago service, switching from Chicago Midway to Chicago O’Hare International Airport. According to the airline, this will provide travellers with access to the city’s primary airport and an increase in flight frequency to three services per day.
Porter De Havilland Dash8-Q400 at Toronto Billy Bishop – Image, Economy Class and Beyond
Porter has served Chicago from Billy Bishop since 2008, and passengers will now benefit from the new U.S. CBP Preclearance facility opening in the coming weeks at Toronto-Billy Bishop. Future connecting itineraries will also be enabled via O’Hare with partner airlines. Porter continues to build frequency and connectivity from Toronto’s downtown airport, providing more options for travellers than any other airline.
As flights will operate from Billy Bishop Airport, services will be operated with De Havilland Dash8-Q400.
In Quotes
Andrew Pierce, vice president, network planning and reporting, Porter Airlines.
“Porter continues to offer more destinations and flights that complement existing schedules and connect travellers across North America through our hubs,”
“Travellers want more options and, when flying with Porter, they receive an elevated level of care and service that makes getting there enjoyable and something to look forward to.”
AUS chief executive officer Ghizlane Badawi adds:
“We’re thrilled to welcome Porter Airlines as a new partner at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport,”
“Expanding international connectivity is a key priority for AUS, and we’re delighted to welcome this new nonstop service to Toronto, which will provide our travelers with more convenient options to connect for business, leisure, and beyond.”
Commissioner Michael McMurray of the Chicago Department of Aviation said:
“On behalf of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, we welcome Porter Airlines to the busiest airport in the United States, the nation’s best-connected airport, and a rapidly growing hub for American Airlines, Porter’s new codeshare partner,”
“We look forward to years of strong service from Porter, further strengthening the connection between two of North America’s greatest cities.”
Building Connectivity.
Some interesting launches – with a new route to Austin. However, the bigger move is switching from Midway to O’Hare, as Porter seemingly wants to use its partnership with American Airlines connections to build traffic through their agreement.
For passengers, O’Hare offers a lot of options – and as anyone who goes through that airport will know, that is a double-edged sword (especially at peak times).
That and the increased cost of taking any mode of transport from O’Hare into the city.
With a growing and evolving network, Porter Airlines continues to evolve in its own way, guided by its passenger experience and partnerships – as well as where the money is.
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