Cape Girardeau Regional Airport celebrates inaugural flight to Dallas–Fort Worth

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) — The City of Cape Girardeau Regional Airport will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday, Dec. 1, to celebrate the inaugural flight from Cape Girardeau to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.

The event will begin at 2 p.m. at the airport, located at 750 Rush H. Limbaugh Jr. Memorial Drive. The inaugural flight is scheduled to depart at 3:30 p.m.

The ceremony will include a water cannon salute by the Cape Girardeau Fire Department, remarks from special guests and an appearance by a “seasonal couple” who will join the inaugural flight.
Airport Manager JoJo Stuart said the new route marks a significant milestone for the airport and the region.

“This new flight to DFW is a game-changer for our region,” Stuart said. “It strengthens our connectivity, supports economic growth and provides our travelers with more options and convenience. We’re excited to celebrate this milestone with the community, and we value the partnership with Contour for making it happen.”

Contour Aviation CEO Matt Chaifetz said the airline is proud to expand its service to Cape Girardeau.

“Contour is honored to be able to offer this expanded service to the region,” Chaifetz said. “This new route to DFW further enhances CGI’s mission to provide convenient and efficient air travel options for residents and visitors alike.”

The airport serves as a key transportation hub for southeast Missouri and surrounding areas.

Event details:

• Date: Monday, Dec. 1, 2025
• Time: Ceremony at 2 p.m.; flight departs at 3:30 p.m.
• Location: Cape Girardeau Regional Airport, 750 Rush H. Limbaugh Jr. Memorial Dr., Cape Girardeau, Mo.

More information about the event and new flight service is available at Fly CGI – Cape Girardeau Regional Airport.

In the words of Cape Girardeau’s own Mayor Stacy Kinder, ‘the future of Cape Girardeau is bright and today it takes flight’. As community members and city leaders gathered at the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport for the first inaugural flight from Cape Girardeau to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.

“This new flight to DFW is more than just a convenience, though. It is a vital piece of infrastructure that will fuel our economic region” says Mayor Kinder. 

Today marked the first of many flights to the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. Connecting Cape to one of the biggest airports in the US. Marking a new chapter for CGI and the Southeast Missouri region.

Mayor Kinder shares that the new flight will strengthen the economy in the region.

“For our local businesses this means easier access to new markets and cities clients and as Senator Berger said, for companies considering a move to our region, it sends a clear signal that Cape Girardeau is open for business and connected for success. It strengthens our position as the economic hub of Southeast Missouri” says Kinder.

A number of local citizens were invited to take part in the first flight to Dallas. The flight left Cape Girardeau around 3:45 pm. Brothers Seth Essner and Lance Essner were on the flight. One brother lives in Dallas and they both share how much more convenient the flight makes it for them to see family and pursue connections in the region.

“I‘m really excited for the flight” says Seth. “Just given that I can probably be to and from my doorstep within 2.5 hours. Additionally, I think it’s great for the community because it’s the top five largest airport in the world to connect you to anywhere and along with it’s the top 10th largest economy in the world. So, connect businesses here and there, and it can connect people to wherever they want to go on vacations.” 

“I’m just I miss brother, so I just, you know, it’s a nice connection for me to catch so I can see him on my way home” says Lance.

Fox 23’s own Brandy McIntire and Santa and Miss’s Claus were also on the flight! Lots of local citizen’s showed their support for the new flight.

“In short, this service enhances the lives of our citizens making our big world feel just a little bit smaller and a lot more accessible” says Mayor Kinder. 

For more details on flights to and from Dallas and other major US destinations Fly CGI: Contour Airlines Adds New Hub Destinations