Director Tristan Durbin said the Owensboro-Daviess County Regional Airport (OWB) board is continuously working to resume direct flights to Florida, a destination that has proven popular with domestic travelers. Since Allegiant Air suspended its flights to Orlando/Sanford last year, the airport has been in ongoing discussions with various airlines to find a replacement.

“We’re working on it and discussing it,” Durbin said. “We have regular and ongoing conversations with airlines and try to encourage them and educate them about Owensboro and our community.”

Durbin stressed that despite the airport’s efforts, finding a replacement is difficult, saying several factors play a role in the complicated process.

“I can assure you that there is no lack of effort,” he said. “We can promise you that we want a holiday destination with an ultra-low-cost aircraft. For the community, we want to achieve that.”

The airport’s main goal is to restore direct service to Florida, as that route has been successful in the past. Durbin added that new service from an ultra-low-cost carrier like Allegiant would not fall under the Essential Air Service (EAS) program, meaning no federal funding or subsidies would be involved.

Meanwhile, Contour Airlines, the airport’s current EAS provider, has been doing well, Durbin said. Contour currently offers daily flights to and from Chicago O’Hare International Airport, allowing the public to travel not only domestically but internationally as well.

“Contour has provided great service to our community,” Durbin said. “They have made several improvements during the time they have operated out of Owensboro. For example, passengers now have direct access to the Chicago terminal, eliminating the previous bus transfer.”

Contour Airlines recently highlighted its impact on Owensboro in its proposals for EAS service in other cities. According to Department of Transportation reports, Contour’s operations have resulted in 53% traffic growth in Owensboro, the highest among its three newest routes.

As an EAS community, Owensboro is guaranteed air service through a federally subsidized program that connects smaller communities to larger hubs, encouraging economic development and growth. The EAS program has been in existence since 1978, and Durbin said it plays a central role in the OWB effort.

Looking ahead, the airport is also focusing on other revenue-generating initiatives, including ensuring that leases for airport properties are at fair market value and it recently started selling fuel, which it said has been successful.

Durbin, who has worked at the airport in various capacities for over nine years, expressed his gratitude for the support of the airport’s board of directors and staff.

“We have the best employees anywhere. We have a great team, a great environment and we all work well together,” he said. “It’s been great for me and my family and I’m super happy to work with such a good organization.”

Despite these challenges, Owensboro-Daviess County Regional Airport remains committed to expanding its services and providing the best possible experience to its community.