DOT approves new Chicago air service for Barkley Field

The U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded SkyWest Airlines the Essential Air Service contract for commercial air service at Barkley Regional Airport.

Under the four-year agreement, SkyWest, operating as United Express, will operate CRJ-200 aircraft to Chicago O'Hare International Airport beginning February 1.

Barkley's Executive Director Dennis Rouleau said in a press release, "Our proposal included both Chicago and Houston, and we have been assured by SkyWest that they will service both markets utilizing a CRJ-550 within the approved subsidy. We are working diligently to finalize these arrangements. We appreciate the DOT's decision and our partners' support, and we will continue to work to confirm both Chicago and Houston air service. We remain confident that the DOT will allow this change."

Travelers and community members can follow the airport's social media channels for the latest updates as plans move forward.

The airport had announced recently that Contour Airlines would continue booking flights under their existing contract through January.