CHICAGO, WILLEMSTAD – American Airlines will launch a new nonstop route from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) to Curaçao International Airport (CUR) starting December 6, 2025. The weekly Saturday flight is part of the airline’s major expansion out of Chicago, aimed at strengthening its position against United Airlines. 

The route to Curaçao is one of seven new destinations American is adding from O’Hare this winter, and notably, it will be the only nonstop service between Chicago and Curaçao, giving travelers in the Midwest direct access to the Caribbean island for the first time with the airline. 

According to aviation reporter Edward Russell of The Points Guy, American Airlines is stepping up its presence in Chicago following a period of reduced operations after the COVID-19 pandemic. The airline is now aggressively expanding its network and increasing its flight frequencies to regain market share and gate access at the city’s busiest airport. 

Ben Humphrey, Vice President of O’Hare operations at American, said the airline is committed to the Chicago market and to supporting its customers and team members in the region. 

This new route positions Curaçao as a key destination in American’s bid to become the largest airline from Chicago to the Caribbean, Central America, and Mexico. Along with Curaçao, American will also launch flights to other leisure destinations including St. Croix, St. Maarten, Guatemala City, and San Jose, Costa Rica. 

Tickets for the Chicago–Curaçao flight will go on sale on May 5. 

Source: Edward Russell, The Points Guy – “American adds 7 new O’Hare routes in battle for Chicago with United” (May 1, 2025).