LEXINGTON, Ky. — United Airlines is expanding its presence at Blue Grass Airport this summer with larger aircraft and increased frequency to major hubs, offering central Kentucky travelers more capacity and routing options.

Beginning May 21, United will upgrade its daily flight to Denver to an Airbus A319 with 126 seats, adding more than 50 seats per day compared to the current aircraft. The larger plane will expand connections to the western United States, Canada and beyond.

On the same day, the carrier will increase daily Chicago service to as many as seven flights during peak summer travel periods. The expanded Chicago schedule offers travelers access to United's network of more than 200 destinations through the airline's major hub there.

"Blue Grass Airport is grateful for United Airlines' continued growth in our region," said Eric Frankl, president and CEO of Blue Grass Airport. "This larger, more comfortable aircraft and additional Chicago flight provide our passengers with more choices, greater convenience and improved access to destinations across the world."

Blue Grass Airport served a record 1.6 million passengers in 2025, reflecting sustained growth at the primary air service provider for central and eastern Kentucky. The airport contributes an estimated $709 million in annual economic output to the region.

Tickets for both routes are available on United's website and mobile app. The expansion reflects broader investments by airlines at Blue Grass Airport, including Delta Air Lines adding a second daily flight to New York LaGuardia beginning June 7 and new seasonal service to Minneapolis-St. Paul.