Daily nonstop jet service between Twin Falls, Denver to launch May 12
TWIN FALLS, Idaho (Feb. 16, 2021) — The Twin Falls City Council unanimously approved a transportation service agreement with SkyWest Airlines that establishes nonstop air service between Magic Valley Regional Airport (TWF) and Denver International Airport (DEN) on United Airlines. Tickets for the new flights will be on sale Feb. 23.
The once-daily United Express flights, operated by SkyWest Airlines, between Twin Falls and Denver will commence May 12. The new route will provide business and leisure travelers to and from Southern Idaho with access to United’s global network, and flights will be timed to provide maximum connection opportunities
“Whether Twin Falls travelers are heading to Denver or beyond, these new flights are a great option,” said Greg Atkin, SkyWest’s managing director of market development. “Our passengers also can fly with confidence thanks to the layered approach to safety, which includes enhanced cleaning, mandatory face coverings, and customer self-assessments with check-in.”
Suzanne Hawkins, mayor of the City of Twin Falls, said the improved connections for family, colleagues, and visitors are chief among the many benefits the new United route will bring to the region.
“We’re excited for the addition of a United route to Denver International Airport because it will expand the Magic Valley’s connectivity to more flights and destinations around the world,” Mayor Hawkins said. “As a vibrant and growing community, the citizens and businesses of the City of Twin Falls and surrounding communities seek greater connectivity to family, friends, and colleagues. And as the recent pandemic has demonstrated, we need to be with those people — not only in times of need, but also to collaborate, compete, and celebrate together. We appreciate United for bringing us closer to more people in new destinations.”
Shawn Barigar, president and CEO of the Twin Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, concurred.
“This new air service from United to the Denver airport hub adds a second air carrier and a second nonstop destination for travelers,” Barigar said. “The Denver hub offers a variety of other direct connections to markets not currently available on flights from Twin Falls and improves access to the national and international air transportation system. More robust air service gives local residents and business travelers better opportunity to fly locally to and from Magic Valley Regional Airport, to support this local infrastructure amenity, and to keep more of these air-service-related revenues in our own community.”
SkyWest will continue to operate three Delta Air Lines flights daily between TWF and Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) Sundays through Fridays and two flights on Saturdays.
“We’re really excited to see forecasts for robust air travel returning again this summer as the COVID-19 vaccines are administered to the public and the airlines continue to take the appropriate precautions for safe air travel,” Bill Carberry, Magic Valley Regional Airport manager, said. “The Magic Valley Regional Airport is prepared to safely accommodate air travelers with its recently expanded terminal and ticket counters. It provides the space needed to social distance and, combined with the airlines’ safety protocols, will provide a safe and enjoyable travel experience.”
Melissa Barry, executive director of Twin-Falls-based Southern Idaho Tourism, said the new route should be a big boon for regional tourism.
“I’m really excited about the new United route to Denver,” Barry said. “It will not only open up the East Coast, but Denver itself is one of the top feeder markets generating traffic at VisitSouthIdaho.com, so we’re anticipating a lot of demand will come from that area. Twin Falls is kind of like a Denver 10-15 years ago: We have great access to outdoor recreation, it’s affordable, and we’re right in the sweet spot with Sun Valley to the north, Yellowstone National Park to the east, and Boise to the west.”
The new service is supported by a U.S. Department of Transportation Small Community Air Service Development Program grant, which assists communities with small nonhub airports like Magic Valley Regional Airport to improve their air service.
The federal grant is being matched by local financial contributions from the following partner organizations and businesses: City of Twin Falls, Twin Falls County, Twin Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, Southern Idaho Tourism, Business Plus, Idaho Dairymen’s Association, Glanbia Nutritionals, Chobani, Idaho Power Company, Kickback Rewards Systems, and St. Luke’s.
Customers flying the new route between Twin Falls and Denver will have the opportunity to accrue frequent-flier miles in United’s MileagePlus loyalty program aboard SkyWest’s 50-passenger CRJ200 regional aircraft. SkyWest is the largest CRJ200 operator and has been named the manufacturer’s most reliable operator in North America five times.
Customers may begin booking flights Feb. 23 at united.com or by calling United Airlines reservations at 1 (800) UNITED — which translates to 1 (800) 846-8331.
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CONTACTS
Shawn Barigar, Twin Falls Chamber, (208) 733-3974, [email protected]
Josh Palmer, City of Twin Falls, (208) 735-7312, [email protected]
SkyWest Corporate Communications, (435) 634-3553, [email protected]