Golden Triangle Regional Airport Launches Dallas Flights

Golden Triangle Regional Airport with planes and travelers

News Summary

The Golden Triangle Regional Airport (GTR) announces a partnership with American Airlines to provide a westbound flight service to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, starting on May 5. This new service will include one daily outgoing and one incoming flight, marking the first westbound route for GTR, which previously connected only to Atlanta. Local leaders anticipate this route will boost leisure travel and support economic growth in the region, aided by a $1.5 million risk abatement fund to ensure sustainability during the initial year.

Lowndes County, Mississippi – The Golden Triangle Regional Airport (GTR) has announced a new partnership with American Airlines to introduce a westbound flight service to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, set to begin on May 5. This new service will operate one daily outgoing flight and one incoming flight, marking a significant expansion of GTR’s air travel offerings.

This development marks GTR’s first foray into westbound flight services, as the airport previously provided flights solely to Atlanta through Delta Airlines. According to local economic leaders, the addition of this route is expected to enhance leisure travel significantly and foster economic development in the region.

GTR Executive Director Matt Dowell highlighted the strategic importance of this new route, stating that it will provide the community with enhanced access to two of the largest airline hubs in the U.S. The introduction of the daily flights to Dallas creates opportunities for easier travel, particularly for students attending nearby Mississippi State University, as well as for local industries that rely on connections to markets on the West Coast and in Mexico.

In preparation for the new service, a “risk abatement” fund has been established to support the westbound carrier and address potential first-year losses. This fund amounts to up to $1.5 million and is supported by contributions from the U.S. Department of Transportation and various local entities across the region.

The specifics of the risk abatement fund include financial backing from several counties in the area, aimed at ensuring the sustainability of the new service during its initial year. Tickets for the Dallas flights are now available for purchase through American Airlines, both on their website and mobile app.

Local officials and community leaders have expressed appreciation for the launch of this new flight service. They believe it will be particularly beneficial for military families stationed at the nearby Columbus Air Force Base, further extending the community’s connectivity to vital national and international destinations.

The journey towards establishing a westbound flight service from GTR has been a decade-long effort, with various stakeholders working collaboratively to enhance air service options in the region. This new partnership with American Airlines through SkyWest Airlines, their contractor, is seen as a pivotal step in improving accessibility for the community and supporting ongoing initiatives for economic growth.

As the Golden Triangle Regional Airport gears up for its inaugural flights to Dallas, stakeholders remain optimistic about the potential benefits for travelers and businesses alike. The new service is expected to play a critical role in bolstering the local economy and improving travel experiences for residents in the region.