TWIN FALLS, Idaho — Travelers in the Magic Valley have a new option when it comes to flying.
The Twin Falls City Council unanimously approved a transportation service agreement with SkyWest Airlines, establishing a new non-stop route between Magic Valley Regional Airport and Denver International Airport. The once-a-day United Express flights will start on May 12.
The route comes after three to four years of discussions, and city officials say they're ready to offer access to a larger hub for both business and leisure.
“Many of the businesses that we have here in the Twin Falls area have a presence elsewhere in the country, maybe even headquarters elsewhere in the country," explained Shawn Barigar, Twin Falls Chamber of Commerce President. "Providing that opportunity for them to better connect from the markets that they’re coming from and also you can get out to those headquarter meetings.”
With flight starting in May, the city is now turning its focus to last-minute details like marketing.
The city, county, and several local businesses have contributed $152,000 that will go towards online marketing and offering updates on the new service.
“We’ll be marketing not only to our community to make sure they’re aware of the service and how they can book those flights, but also doing some marketing outside of Twin Falls, in the Denver area, for example. Encouraging folks there to come visit us and take their vacations here,” said Barigar.
The airport will also spend the next couple of months to prepare for travelers.
“They’ll be additional counter space, a self-service kiosk for the United system, and software. The airline will be investing in all of these things to bring in the equipment,” said Bill Carberry, Magic Valley Airport Manager.
The new service is being added as the airport continues to place a focus on passenger safety during the pandemic.
“Between the airline and the airport staff we’ve been doing a lot to keep this facility clean. That coupled with the vaccines that are coming and airlines forecasting a bit of a bump there with summer travel. So we’ll be ready on all accounts for this,” said Carberry.
"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," said SkyWest's Managing Director of Market Development Greg Atkin.
Tickets for the new route go on sale Tuesday, February 23 and flights start May 12. For more details, click here.
