Romanian airline HiSky is set to launch direct flights from Bucharest to Chicago starting June 2026, significantly expanding its long-haul network. This new route marks a major milestone for the carrier, offering a crucial link between Eastern Europe and the United States, and is expected to boost travel for both leisure and business purposes.
Key Takeaways
- HiSky will offer direct flights from Bucharest to Chicago twice weekly, commencing June 4, 2026.
- This expansion makes HiSky the sole airline providing non-stop connections between Romania and both New York and Chicago.
- The new route aims to serve the large Romanian and Moldovan diaspora in the U.S. and reconnect communities.
- Passengers from other Romanian cities and Chișinău can benefit from seamless transfers in Bucharest.
A New Transatlantic Gateway
HiSky’s introduction of a direct route to Chicago from Bucharest signifies a substantial expansion of its international operations. This move follows the airline’s successful reintroduction of direct flights to New York in 2024, ending a two-decade hiatus. With the addition of Chicago, HiSky solidifies its position as a key player in the Eastern European aviation market, being the only airline to connect Romania non-stop to two major U.S. cities.
The inaugural flight is scheduled for June 4, 2026, with services operating twice weekly on Thursdays and Sundays. This new service is anticipated to meet a growing demand for travel between Romania, Moldova, and the U.S., providing convenient access to the American Midwest.
Reconnecting Communities and Enhancing Accessibility
The Chicago route holds particular significance for the Romanian and Moldovan communities residing in the United States, as Chicago hosts one of the largest and most established diasporas from these countries. The new flights are expected to bridge a long-standing gap, facilitating easier travel for family and friends to reconnect.
Beyond serving the diaspora, the route is poised to benefit both tourists and business travelers. Chicago’s appeal as a destination, known for its vibrant culture, iconic architecture, and dynamic business environment, makes it an attractive hub for a diverse range of visitors.
Streamlined Travel Experience
HiSky has engineered the Chicago service to ensure a convenient travel experience for passengers originating from various cities in Romania and Moldova. Travelers from cities like Timișoara, Cluj, Oradea, and Chișinău will enjoy through-checked baggage and efficient transfers via Bucharest, minimizing layover times.
The flight duration is approximately 10 hours and 50 minutes from Bucharest to Chicago, with the return journey taking around 9 hours and 50 minutes. This integrated approach aims to position Bucharest Otopeni Airport as a central hub for U.S.-bound flights from the region.
Strategic Growth and Future Outlook
This expansion into transatlantic routes underscores HiSky’s strategic vision to become a leading carrier for long-haul travel between Eastern Europe and North America. Operating with a fleet of eight Airbus aircraft, the airline currently serves various destinations across Europe, the Middle East, and North America.
HiSky’s commitment to customer convenience, competitive pricing, and comfortable travel experiences is central to its strategy. The airline’s user-friendly booking system and focus on seamless connections are designed to cater to a broad passenger base, making international travel more accessible and efficient. The successful launch of the Chicago route is expected to pave the way for further network expansion into new international destinations.
