Owensboro-Daviess County Regional Airport Board members received a brief update Tuesday night on the status of the airport’s Essential Air Service transition, while also approving the acceptance of $2 million in state funding for future capital projects.
Airport Director Tristan Durbin said there had been no significant movement yet from the U.S. Department of Transportation regarding the airport’s recommendation to transition to United Express service, operated by SkyWest Airlines.
“We’re going through the process with the DOT and then ultimately just waiting on their decision,” Durbin said.
Durbin said the airport had already submitted its recommendation along with letters of support from community stakeholders and elected officials. He said federal officials were expected to make a final decision around mid-June.
If approved, the new service would likely begin sometime in late summer.
“It would either be sometime August or September,” Durbin said.
Durbin noted that the airport’s current provider, Contour Airlines, would remain in place beyond its July 31 contract end date if necessary to ensure no interruption in service.
“They would be required to stay until that new carrier takes place,” Durbin said.
The airport board previously voted to recommend United Express as its preferred carrier, a move that would connect Owensboro travelers to United’s broader national and international network through hubs such as Chicago O’Hare and Washington Dulles.
Durbin said the Essential Air Service update was included on Tuesday’s agenda primarily for transparency and would likely remain a recurring item until a final decision is made.
The update was part of the board’s regular meeting agenda, which also included financial and operational items.
In other business, the board approved accepting $2 million in funding through House Bill 900, which provides support for airport infrastructure and economic development projects across the state.
Durbin said the funding would be distributed as $1 million per year over the current biennium and would be used for capital improvements rather than operational expenses.
“The legislature approved funds for all general aviation airports and commercial airports at a different level for capital improvements,” Durbin said.
He credited local legislators for supporting the funding request, including State Rep. Suzanne Miles, State Rep. D.J. Johnson, and State Senator Gary Boswell.
While no specific projects had been finalized, Durbin said the board would begin evaluating priorities now that the funds had been formally accepted.
“Once we accept the funds, we will begin looking at the best use for those funds,” Durbin said. “We’re extremely grateful and thankful to receive those dollars, as most improvements and construction in aviation come at a high cost.”
