EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (WEAU) – If you’re catching a flight at the Chippewa Valley Regional Airport in the next few weeks, you may notice some changes.
The ribbon is cut and travelers out of the Chippewa Valley can now take a nonstop flight to Chicago O’Hare, courtesy of United Express.
Starting Friday, the airport will have flights operating with early morning departures and late evening arrivals, and an afternoon arrival and departure most of the days during the week.
Airport officials say that the pandemic and pilot shortages really affected them, which lead airlines like United to break contracts in 2022 to try and rebuild what was needed.
Now, United is back up and running locally and passengers were already lining up for their flights Friday afternoon.
Scott Francis is an airport commissioner for the airport.
“I think it’s bringing more passengers through the airport. It shows that we have an airport that’s local, that’s available and can bring them wherever they need to go. Whether that’s globally or to the sun belt, or to other places that’re just easy and convenient, it’s starting to build upon the success of this airport and I’m really excited to see it grow.” Francis said.
To continue their good news, airport officials say that Sun Country Airlines will offer direct flights to Fort Myers, Florida on Mondays and Fridays from January 31 to April 7 as a trial to see how well it goes.
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