American Airlines officially began service at Lincoln Airport on Thursday, marking a major expansion of air travel options for southeast Nebraska. The airline offers daily nonstop flights to Chicago O’Hare and twice-daily nonstop service to Dallas-Fort Worth. American also plans to launch seasonal nonstop flights to Phoenix beginning December 17th.
Airport officials celebrated the milestone with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the terminal ahead of the inaugural flight to Dallas-Fort Worth. American Airlines Managing Director of Government Affairs Joseph Hughes says the new routes connect Lincoln travelers to more than 350 destinations worldwide through the airline’s network hubs in Dallas-Fort Worth and Chicago.
Lincoln Airport Authority Board Chair Chris Hove says the addition of American Airlines is the result of years of planning and partnership efforts. “These new flights create more travel options, strengthen our local economy, and further position Lincoln for future growth,” Hove says. Airport officials say Dallas-Fort Worth has long been one of Lincoln’s largest unmet air service needs.
A recent business travel survey found about 40 percent of local companies regularly travel to the DFW area. The new flights are expected to increase competition and improve connectivity for travelers throughout Nebraska.