Contour Airlines celebrates first flight from Veteran’s Airport in Marion, IL

MARION, Ill. (KBSI) – A new air service provider began offering direct flights from Veteran’s Airport in Marion, Illinois to Chicago on Tuesday.

Contour Airlines replaced Cape Air, giving passengers a faster flight to Chicago.

Contour will fly 12 times per week from Marion to Chicago O’Hare, twice a day Monday through Friday and single round trip on Saturdays and Sundays.

Contour Airlines will start with an introductory price of $59 from Marion to Chicago.

Contour Airlines marked its first flight from Cape Girardeau, Mo. to Nashville, Tenn. on Oct. 18, 2022.

Matt Chaifetz, the CEO of Contour says, “You know, I think what it does for economic develop in terms of making it easier, to foster ties between the North and Southern part of the state.”

Starting August 1st, 2023, a new route providing direct flights between O’Hare International Airport and Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois for the first time, expanding a key pathway between Southern Illinois and Chicago.

Governor JB Pritzker, Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity celebrated Contour Airlines’ “first flight” – the very first flight of a new route established between Chicago and Marion.

The new route will make southern Illinois more accessible for business travel and visiting family and friends, while opening the door to the many tourism gems and attractions throughout each region.

“From roads and bridges to airports and transit, my administration is committed to transforming our state’s transportation systems so Illinoisans can get to where they’re going safely, efficiently, and affordable,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “And today, I couldn’t be happier to celebrate Contour Airlines’ ‘first flight’ from Chicago to Marion—opening up doors and creating opportunities for Northern and Southern Illinoisans alike.”

“We are so pleased to add Chicago to the Contour network and to introduce fast and reliable regional jet service to our new EAS communities. Together with our interline partner, American Airlines, these new flights make travel easy and affordable by providing seamless connectivity to destinations around the world, “said Contour CEO Matt Chaifetz.

The new route will offer daily direct passenger flights between O’Hare in Chicago and Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois in Marion, making travel between Southern Illinois and Chicago more seamless, accessible, and affordable.

This will mark the first time a passenger route between O’Hare and Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois is being offered.

In support of the new flight route, the Airport Authority in Marion – which oversees Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois – will receive a $1.4 million grant through DCEO.

Contour Airlines’ new routes – which also include daily routes to Kirksville, Missouri, and Owensboro, Kentucky – are part of the federal government’s Essential Air Service (EAS) program, aimed at maintaining air services to smaller communities.

Contour’s air service to all three destinations will be offered 12 times per week, with twice-daily service scheduled five days per week and once-daily service scheduled twice a week.