Cape Girardeau airport expands service with new Contour Airlines contract

KBSI FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) — The U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded a new Essential Air Service contract to Contour Airlines, ensuring continued flights from Cape Girardeau Regional Airport (FLY CGI) to Chicago O’Hare and adding new service to Dallas/Fort Worth beginning in December.

Under the agreement, Contour will operate 30-seat CRJ-200 and Embraer ERJ-135 regional jets. Through November, the carrier will provide 12 weekly round trips to Chicago. Starting in December, the schedule will shift to seven weekly round trips to Chicago and five to Dallas/Fort Worth, giving the airport its first westbound hub connection.

Contour also plans to add seasonal, non-subsidized service to Pensacola, Florida, beginning April 1, 2026. Airport officials said that will make Cape Girardeau one of only a few Essential Air Service airports nationwide offering flights to three or more destinations.

“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Contour Airlines and expand our destination offerings for the community,” said Airport Manager JoJo Stuart. “This new agreement enhances our connectivity, supports regional economic growth and provides the broadest array of destinations in the region.”

Passenger traffic at FLY CGI has grown 25% under Contour, Stuart said, and officials expect further growth with the new hub service.