JobsOhio Air Service Restoration Program enables new daily flight
Highlights:
United launches daily nonstop service between CVG and San Francisco (SFO)
Flight begins Oct. 25 and runs daily in both directions
B737-800 aircraft: 166 seats (16 First/Business and 150 Economy Plus and Economy)
Erlanger, Ky. (August 6, 2026) — United Airlines will begin nonstop service between Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) and San Francisco (SFO) starting Oct. 25, 2026. Tickets are available for purchase starting today.
San Francisco has been one of CVG’s largest underserved markets. The new daytime flights in each direction provide convenient access to a popular destination, and the service opens a gateway to key business centers in the Far East and Southeast Asia through United’s extensive network out of SFO.
We’re thrilled to expand United’s presence in Cincinnati with the addition of new nonstop daily service between Cincinnati and San Francisco,” said Mark Weithofer, Managing Director of Domestic Network Planning at United. “This gives travelers in the tri-state region direct access to the West Coast and from there, convenient access to destinations across the Pacific through United’s San Francisco hub.
San Francisco is United’s sixth nonstop destination from CVG, joining Chicago, Houston, Denver, Washington (IAD), and Newark. The flight is expected to generate an estimated $36.4 million economic impact for the Cincinnati region.
United Airlines’ direct service between Greater Cincinnati and San Francisco connects Ohioans to Bay Area companies and attractions while providing increased access to Asian markets,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. “The new route will also connect more travelers to Ohio’s people, culture and business opportunities that can be found in the nation’s number one state for doing business.
The new route was backed in part by the JobsOhio Air Service Restoration program, which encourages Ohio’s commercial airports to retain and restore air service through collaborative public-private partnerships. The program uses revenue-guarantee incentives to encourage carriers to operate in markets serving Ohio. Over time, these partnerships become self-sustaining, driven by growing business and consumer demand—boosting economic development in the nation’s Top State for Business, according to CNBC.
We and our partners at REDI Cincinnati welcome nonstop air service between CVG and SFO, which will introduce more of the nation and the world to Ohio’s quality of life and business value proposition,” said JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef. “The new United Airlines nonstop route linking the Cincinnati Region with San Francisco expands access to the Bay Area and international destinations, boosting investment potential for companies both on the West Coast and in Asia looking to grow in Ohio’s diverse economy.
We are grateful for United’s continued partnership and thrilled to have service to such a strategic hub that is supported by strong local and connecting traffic from the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky region,” said Chad Summe, chairman of the Kenton County Airport Board. “Nonstop service to San Francisco gives travelers greater access to one of the nation’s leading centers for business, technology and tourism, while strengthening CVG’s role in connecting our community to key destinations across the country as well as to key international destinations.
This new, direct flight from CVG to San Francisco will help us welcome even more business and travelers to Our New Kentucky Home as we continue to fuel our surging economy and record-breaking tourism industry,” said Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear. “CVG in Northern Kentucky is essential to our commonwealth’s success, and I want to congratulate their hardworking team, BE NKY and our partners at United. This was a great investment in our state and our future, and I’m proud to celebrate with everyone who made it possible.
The General Assembly recognized that expanding air service is an investment in Kentucky's future,” said Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers. “By supporting incentives that make new routes possible, we're helping position the Commonwealth to compete for the next generation of jobs and investment. A nonstop connection to San Francisco doesn't just shorten travel time, it opens new doors for business recruitment, strengthens ties to global markets and reinforces Kentucky's reputation as a premier place to invest. This is another example of how thoughtful public policy can deliver lasting economic returns for Kentucky families.
Air service matters because companies, talent and capital move where they can connect efficiently to customers and markets,” said Lee Crume, President and CEO of BE NKY Growth Partnership. “United’s new nonstop service to San Francisco provides direct access to a critical innovation and technology hub while strengthening connections to international destinations across Asia. This investment reinforces the Cincinnati region’s position as a competitive place to do business and supports continued economic growth throughout our community.
About JobsOhio
JobsOhio, Ohio’s private nonprofit economic development corporation, enhances company growth and personnel development through business attraction, retention, and expansion across 10 competitive industry sectors. With a team of seasoned professionals, JobsOhio utilizes a comprehensive network to foster talent production in targeted industries and attract talent through Find Your Ohio. Collaborating with seven regional partners, including Dayton Development Coalition, Lake to River Economic Development, Ohio Southeast Economic Development, One Columbus, REDI Cincinnati, Regional Growth Partnership, and Team NEO. JobsOhio delivers world-class customer service to provide companies with a competitive advantage. In 2026 Ohio was named CNBC's Top State for Business. Learn more at www.jobsohio.com. Follow us on LinkedIn, X , Instagram, and Facebook.
About CVG Airport
CVG welcomed 9 million travelers in 2025. The airport offers more than 55 nonstop destinations with 14 airlines/tour operators. It is proud to serve two nonstop transatlantic flights: to London via British Airways, and to Paris-CDG through Delta Air Lines. CVG is home to two global air hubs that continue to drive growth: Amazon Air’s Hub and DHL Express’ Global Superhub for the Americas. With an annual impact of $12.2 billion on the local economy, the airport drives regional growth and remains a leader in aviation innovation. Learn more at CVGairport.com
About BE NKY Growth Partnership
BE NKY Growth Partnership, the economic development company for Northern Kentucky, provides businesses with the expertise they need to build opportunity in Boone, Kenton, and Campbell counties. We attract new business and elevate what’s already here to create innovative, forward-thinking, and attractive environments
for companies and community success. We serve Northern Kentucky so that our community thrives through the creation of good jobs and a growing and diverse economy. We believe in Opportunity and Prosperity for All Northern Kentuckians. Visit www.BE-NKY.com for more information
