The “Mr. Porter” era is reaching new heights. Porter Airlines has announced a significant expansion of its North American network, headlined by a brand-new route to Austin, Texas, and a strategic move from Chicago Midway to the massive international hub of Chicago O’Hare.
As part of its aggressive 2026 growth strategy, the Canadian carrier is doubling down on transborder connectivity, leveraging its modern fleet and new partnership with American Airlines to provide passengers with more travel flexibility.
Austin: The New “Buzzy” Destination
Starting May 21, 2026, Porter will launch its first-ever service to the “Live Music Capital of the World.” Operating year-round out of Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), the Austin route is designed to capture the surging demand from both tech-sector business travelers and leisure seekers.
- Frequency: 5x weekly
- Aircraft: Embraer E195-E2 (132 seats)
- The Experience: Passengers on this route will enjoy Porter’s signature “elevated economy,” featuring no middle seats, free fast Wi-Fi, and complimentary beer and wine served in real glassware.
“Expanding international connectivity is a key priority for AUS,” said Austin-Bergstrom CEO Ghizlane Badawi. “We’re delighted to welcome this new nonstop service to Toronto.”
Chicago: The Big Move to O’Hare
In a move that signals a major shift in its network strategy, Porter will relocate its long-standing Chicago operations from Midway (MDW) to Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) on September 1, 2026.
While Porter has served Chicago from Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) since 2008, the switch to O’Hare—the busiest airport in the U.S.—opens a world of new possibilities:
- Increased Frequency: Service will jump to three flights daily using the De Havilland Dash 8-400.
- Strategic Partnership: O’Hare is a major hub for American Airlines, Porter’s new codeshare partner. This move will enable seamless connecting itineraries across the U.S. and beyond.
- U.S. CBP Preclearance: The move coincides with the opening of a new U.S. Customs and Border Protection Preclearance facility at Billy Bishop in the coming weeks. This allows travelers to clear U.S. customs in downtown Toronto and land in Chicago as domestic passengers.
Route Summary at a Glance
| Route | Start Date | Frequency | Aircraft |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto Pearson – Austin | May 21, 2026 | 5x Weekly | Embraer E195-E2 |
| Toronto City – Chicago O’Hare | Sept. 1, 2026 | 3x Daily | Dash 8-400 |
| Ottawa – Deer Lake | June 10, 2026 | 5x Weekly | Embraer E195-E2 |
Why the O’Hare Move Matters
For years, Porter’s Midway service was a niche favorite for travelers heading to Chicago’s South Side. However, the shift to O’Hare positions Porter as a direct competitor to major legacy carriers.
By utilizing the American Airlines codeshare, Porter can now funnel Canadian travelers into American’s vast domestic and international network via ORD. For Torontonians, the convenience of Billy Bishop’s downtown location combined with O’Hare’s global reach creates a “best of both worlds” scenario.
“Porter continues to offer more destinations and flights that complement existing schedules and connect travellers across North America through our hubs,” said Andrew Pierce, Porter’s VP of network planning.
Would you like me to look into the specific details of the American Airlines codeshare benefits for Porter’s VIPorter loyalty members?
