Contour Airlines will continue its service at Cape Girardeau Regional Airport (CGI) and add new flight routes to Dallas and Pensacola, Florida. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) awarded Contour Airlines a new Essential Air Service (EAS) contract. This decision was announced on Tuesday, September 30, by airport officials. The agreement aims to increase travel options for residents in Southeast Missouri.
Key Takeaways
- Contour Airlines secured a new two-year Essential Air Service contract for Cape Girardeau.
- New flights to Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) will begin in December, offering westbound hub access.
- Seasonal service to Pensacola (PNS) starts April 1, making CGI one of few EAS airports with three destinations.
- Contour's bid was $3.4 million lower than competitors, influencing the DOT's decision.
- Passenger numbers at CGI have increased by 25% with Contour Airlines.
New Destinations and Expanded Connectivity
Under the new contract, Contour Airlines will maintain its existing service to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD). A significant addition is the introduction of flights to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), scheduled to begin in December. Furthermore, seasonal service to Pensacola International Airport (PNS) in Florida is set to start on Wednesday, April 1.
These new routes will connect Cape Girardeau travelers to two of the nation's largest airline hubs. The Dallas route, in particular, makes Cape Girardeau Regional Airport the only airport in the region to offer direct westbound hub service. It also becomes the only regional Essential Air Service airport to provide connections to two major hubs.
"We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Contour Airlines and expand our destination offerings for the community," said JoJo Stuart, airport manager. "This new agreement with Contour offers tremendous advantages. It enhances our connectivity, supports regional economic growth, and provides the broadest array of destinations in the region."
Quick Facts
- Carrier: Contour Airlines
- Airport: Cape Girardeau Regional Airport (CGI)
- Contract Type: Essential Air Service (EAS)
- New Destinations: Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Pensacola (PNS)
- Existing Destination: Chicago O'Hare (ORD)
- Aircraft: 30-seat CRJ-200 and Embraer ERJ-135 regional jets
Flight Schedule Changes and Fleet Details
Contour Airlines will continue to operate 30-seat CRJ-200 and Embraer ERJ-135 regional jets from Cape Girardeau. The flight schedule will see adjustments over the coming months. Through November, the airport will have 12 weekly round-trip flights to Chicago.
Beginning in December, the schedule will shift. Travelers will have seven weekly round-trip flights to Chicago and five weekly round-trip flights to Dallas. This change reflects the new service offerings and aims to balance demand for both major hubs.
Understanding Essential Air Service (EAS)
The Essential Air Service (EAS) program was established by the Airline Deregulation Act of 1978. Its purpose is to guarantee that small communities, which were served by certificated air carriers before deregulation, maintain a minimal level of scheduled air service. The U.S. government subsidizes these routes to ensure connectivity for rural areas.
Department of Transportation's Decision Factors
The U.S. Department of Transportation's choice to select Contour's proposal was primarily influenced by the significant cost difference. Contour's bid for the two-year contract was more than $3.4 million less than the alternative proposal. This financial advantage played a decisive role in the final selection, despite other recommendations.
In May, the Cape Girardeau City Council had unanimously recommended American Airlines for the EAS contract. Their proposal included flights to Dallas-Fort Worth and Chicago's O'Hare. The council's recommendation followed a competitive bidding process that attracted six proposals. Five of these proposals offered jet service and new route options to major hubs.
Growth and Future Prospects for Cape Girardeau Airport
Contour's continued presence at Cape Girardeau Regional Airport follows a period of strong passenger growth. The airline previously shifted its EAS flights from Nashville, Tennessee, to Chicago in October 2024. This change coincided with the opening of a new terminal facility at CGI and was credited with boosting local travel numbers.
According to airport manager JoJo Stuart, passenger numbers have grown by 25% with Contour Airlines. With the addition of Dallas and Pensacola, airport officials anticipate even stronger growth. The planned seasonal, non-subsidized flights to Pensacola will make Cape Girardeau one of only a handful of EAS airports nationwide offering service to three or more destinations.
"Contour is proud to continue serving the Cape Girardeau region and to expand our partnership with the introduction of flights to Dallas/Fort Worth and eventually Pensacola," said Matt Chaifetz, CEO of Contour Airlines. "These routes provide seamless connectivity to the American Airlines global network through two of its largest hubs. We are committed to providing the reliable, high-quality service this community deserves."
Booking and Information
Travelers interested in booking flights or finding the latest updates can visit flycgi.com. The expansion of services is expected to significantly benefit the region by improving access to major travel networks and supporting local economic development.
The partnership between Cape Girardeau Regional Airport and Contour Airlines highlights a strategic effort to enhance regional air travel options. The focus on connecting to major hubs like Dallas/Fort Worth is a key aspect of this strategy, providing more choices for business and leisure travelers from Southeast Missouri.
