KEARNEY, Neb. — Daily flights between Kearney and Chicago are set to return after the Kearney City Council unanimously approved a new agreement with SkyWest airlines.

Under the agreement, SkyWest will begin offering daily round-trip flights starting April 30, 2026, with service continuing through October 2027.

The route will operate seven days a week using a 50-passenger aircraft, providing travelers expanded access to the Windy City.

SkyWest originally launched Chicago service from Kearney in 2019 but ended its contract in 2022, which also temporarily halted flights to Denver. SkyWest returned to the Denver route last year.

City officials said bringing Chicago flights back to Kearney has been a major priority.

With Wednesday’s vote, Kearney travelers can look forward to the return of direct flights to Chicago for the first time in several years, expanding options for business and leisure travel.