HiSky to Launch Direct Flights from Bucharest to Chicago Starting June 2026
HiSky is expanding its transatlantic operations with the launch of direct flights from Bucharest to Chicago, set to begin on June 4, 2026. The new service will operate twice weekly, every Thursday and Sunday, making Chicago the second U.S. destination served directly by the Romanian carrier, after New York.
A Long-Awaited Comeback
The announcement marks the return of nonstop flights between Romania and Chicago after 24 years, filling a significant gap for both business and leisure travelers. With this new route, HiSky becomes the only airline currently operating direct services between Romania and the United States, consolidating its position as a leading Eastern European operator in the long-haul segment.
Serving the Romanian and Moldovan Communities
“Two years ago, we trusted in our passengers’ need to travel quickly, safely and comfortably across the ocean and we embraced this role of pioneers. After the results of the first year of operations on the New York route, with the same confidence, we are ready to become the airline that operates both direct connections with the U.S.,” said Iulian Scorpan, CEO HiSky.
He added that the choice of Chicago reflects not only demand from tourists and the business sector, but also the strong ties of the Romanian and Moldovan diaspora, one of the largest communities in the United States.
Convenient Connections via Bucharest
The new Bucharest–Chicago flights are scheduled to depart at 09:00 AM, with a journey time of 10 hours and 50 minutes westbound and 9 hours and 50 minutes eastbound. Thanks to HiSky’s integrated network, passengers from Timișoara, Cluj, Oradea, Chișinău, Iași and Tel Aviv will benefit from seamless connections via Bucharest, with through check-in for baggage. For most travelers from Romania or Moldova, total travel time to Chicago will not exceed 13 hours, positioning Henri Coandă International Airport (Otopeni) as a growing regional hub for flights to the U.S.
HiSky’s Growth Story
Founded in 2021, HiSky has quickly grown into Romania’s second-largest airline by passenger numbers, carrying over 5 million travelers to date. Its fleet of eight Airbus aircraft currently serves routes across Europe, the Middle East, North America and major holiday destinations worldwide. In 2024, the airline inaugurated its first transatlantic route to New York, operated with five weekly frequencies. The addition of Chicago further strengthens HiSky’s long-haul offering.