Travelers to and from Missoula gained another eastern connection on Thursday when American Airlines launched year-round, nonstop service to Chicago O'Hare.
The Missoula Montana Airport on Thursday officially announced year-round service to Chicago/O'hare on American Airlines, expanding the airport's reach further east and ending months of speculation.
Missoula Montana Airport officials last year said that year-round service to Chicago was on the airport's radar. Both United and American airlines serve the route on a seasonal basis.
Airport director Brian Ellestad on Friday said it's likely that year-round service would begin next fall – the time of year that Chicago typically falls off Missoula's route list.