Daily commercial flights at Telluride Regional Airport in Southwest Colorado begin for the first time this week.
Officials with the Telluride Regional Airport say Denver Air Connection, a partner of United Airlines, would start the flights Wednesday.
The Telluride Daily Planet reported that the airport has lost commercial flight service twice in the past three years.
Officials said they hope the daily flights will make travel for business or pleasure more convenient for locals and help visitors more easily reach Telluride.
According to a press release, Denver Air Connection’s relationship with United enables travelers to book and connect through the global United network to the Telluride airport. The Dornier 328JET offers a 30-seat configuration with full in-flight services. Flight time from DEN-TEX is 40 minutes in the air, and the flight schedule will be optimized for Denver connections.
“Through the combined efforts of all the involved parties, we are thrilled to announce this milestone in air service for the Telluride region,” said Colorado Flights COO Matt Skinner. “Jet service for the Telluride airport, located just 10 minutes from downtown and the slopes, will provide both our residents and visitors fast, comfortable flights from Denver and United’s worldwide connections beyond.”
Telluride ranked five of the past six years as the No. 1 ski resort in North American by Conde Nast and is served by two airports — Telluride, now offering commercial options on Denver Air Connection and Boutique Air, and the Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ), offering nonstop flights to 11 hubs nationwide. The Denver Air flights will be Telluride’s first operated on a jet.
“Jet service from DEN to TEX greatly improves accessibility and convenience,” Telluride Mayor Sean Murphy said in the press release. “It is a game-changer that enhances Telluride’s global profile.”
An internet price check showed Boutique Air will fly from Telluride to Denver on June 3 and return on June 4 for $299 for a round-trip economy class nonrefundable ticket.
Boutique Air flights from Cortez to Denver on the same dates were $129 for a round-trip economy class nonrefundable ticket.
The cost of a roundtrip, economy class ticked on United Airlines from Telluride to Denver on June 3 and returning on June 4 was quoted at $405.
United Airlines and American Airlines fly out of Durango-La Plata County Airport. An online price check of United Airlines showed a basic round-trip economy flight from Durango to Denver on June 3 and returning on June 4 at $443. The same flight on American Airlines was quoted at $555.