Cape Girardeau Regional Airport awaits DOT decision on airline contract

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) — The Cape Girardeau Regional Airport is waiting on an important bid from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

“Usually the bid process is quicker than this,” Airport Manager JoJo Stuart said. “Right now, I think with the political climate going on, they’re taking longer. It’s not just us, there are a lot of airports that are still kind of in limbo on who is going to be awarded their next contract.”

Stuart said the delay has raised concerns about travelers ability to book flights in advance, which could affect passenger numbers. He contacted the DOT to seek a temporary solution.

“I called them and asked if there was any way we could get that going,” Stuart said. ” If people can’t book out in the future, they’re not going to fly out of Cape, or they’re going to go somewhere else.”

As a result, the DOT reached out to the airport’s current carrier, Contour Airlines, allowing it to continue service through Nov. 30 so passengers can make reservations.

Stuart said the airport has seen a 30% increase in passenger numbers over the past three to four months compared to the same period of time prior.

The DOT’s decision will determine whether Cape Girardeau retains its current carrier or transitions to a new one.

“The goal is definitely to get more airlines and more options for the community,” Stuart said. “So more and more people use this airport instead of driving to a bigger airport like St. Louis or Memphis.”

Time will tell what the future holds for the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport.