Rochester, MN (KROC AM News) - A boost for Rochester area air travelers.

United Airlines announced Monday it will add three daily flights between the Rochester Airport and its hub at Chicago O’Hare, beginning June 8th.

The flights will provide 150 new departing seats per day, which is a capacity increase of 35% for the Rochester airport.

At a news conference, RST Executive Director John Reed said, “Rochester was the number one market in the world without United service to Chicago, with 174 passengers traveling per day each way. Our region now has more options to connect to the world by choosing to Fly Local, and we are grateful for the capacity growth United Airlines provides.”

He says this will open the door to additional one-stop connections making travel to Rochester more convenient for Mayo Clinic patients and visitors.

Rochester International Airport is currently served by American and Delta Air Lines.

Reed says the United hub at Chicago O’Hare connects Rochester to 41 unique one-stop cities not currently served through O’Hare.

Reed also says United is part of the Star Alliance, the world’s largest airline alliance. He says this means Rochester will join 1,300 other airports in the Star Alliance network.

More From KFIL