Good News and Good Cheer from Monterey Regional Airport
End-of-year Update: A Year of Transitions and Transformations

Blog Post

We’re wrapping up another great year of transitions and transformations at Monterey Regional Airport (MRY). As we prepare to welcome the year-end holidays and say farewell to 2025, we want to recognize those who contribute to the airport’s success, share recent air service and safety enhancements news, offer a giving opportunity for local troops, and provide travel tips for those flying through MRY.

In October, MRY and United Airlines representatives announced new nonstop service to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to begin May 23, 2026.

Community

We thank our community for continuing to choose MRY and letting us know where you want to go. Traveler feedback contributed to United Airlines recently announcing seasonal nonstop service to Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) beginning in May 23, 2026. MRY is committed to bringing the world to our neighbors’ doorsteps by delivering the nonstop destinations and airlines they want most.

Read more about our new nonstop service between MRY and ORD (Chicago) in our recent press release (click image). 

Airport Tenants

MRY partners that support commercial service and general aviation flights deliver a travel experience representative of our welcoming coastal vibe. We are grateful to our airlines, concessions, federal agencies, ground transportation providers, and fixed base operators, who give their best every day so MRY passengers have a safe, secure, and efficient travel experience.

One of Monterey Jet Center's line crew members gets into position to guide an arriving general aviation aircraft.

Monterey Peninsula Airport District Board of Directors

The airport’s board of directors have provided the vision and continue to guide the MRY Metamorphosis Safety Enhancement Program. Board members warmly welcomed some 150 community members during the MRY Metamorphosis Open House in October, and proudly shared progress on the replacement passenger terminal complex and the new elevated travel experience when it opens in June 2027.

 

Airport Staff and Contracting Partners

The MRY team and our contracting partners strive to deliver safety, security, and service excellence as we operate our busy airport while constructing a new passenger terminal and support facilities. The airport recently welcomed a state-of-the-art Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting truck, an important investment in protecting people and property during on-airport emergencies.

Meet MRY's newest Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) vehicle -- the Oshkosh Stryker 4x4.

Treat our Troops

MRY’s annual Holiday Military Lounge, located on the terminal’s second level, will be available to all active-duty military and their travel companions from December 17 through December 24, 2025. Troops traveling during holiday leave can enjoy complimentary meals, snacks and beverages—provided by Woody’s at the Airport, other airport tenants, and community partners—in a lounge space with comfortable seating and secure Wi-Fi. Meals are made possible through public donations. Learn how to contribute at montereyairport.com/holidaymilitarylounge.

2025 Holiday Military Lounge flyer - encourages our departing active-duty servicemembers (and their traveling companions) to enjoy the amenities donated by the airport and its generous sponsors.

Holiday Travel Tips

Traveling to join loved ones for the holidays is made easier with planning and packing your patience. MRY reminds passengers to arrive at the airport early for an on-time departure. High passenger counts are expected between December 17, 2025, and January 4, 2026, and parking lots are expected to fill during peak travel days. We encourage those who live close to the airport to use local ground transportation or ask a friend to drop you off at MRY to keep parking spaces open for those who are traveling to the airport from farther distances.

Thank you for choosing MRY for your travel needs. We wish you and yours a happy holiday season and bright new year ahead.