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<p style="font-weight:bold; display: inline; line-height:150%; font-size: 115%;"><strong>Columbia Regional Airport</strong><br />
11300 South Airport Drive<br>
Columbia, MO 65201</p></div>
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<p style="font-size: 150%; font-weight: bold;">FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</p>
<p style="font-size: 120%; margin-top: -5px; font-weight:bold;">May 22, 2025</p>
<p style="float:right; font-weight:bold; margin-bottom: 25px; font-size: 100%; text-align:right;">CONTACT: Michael Parks
<br />Manager
<br />Columbia Regional Airport
<br />City of Columbia
<br />573.817.5064
<br />Michael.Parks@CoMo.gov</p>
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<div style="font-size: 110%; line-height:150%;"><h1 style="clear:both; margin-top: 75px; margin-bottom: 10px; font-weight: bold; font-size: 130%;">Columbia Regional Airport announces return of United Airlines</h1>
<div class="content"><span style="padding-left: 50px;">(COLUMBIA, MO)</span> - Columbia Regional Airport (COU) passengers will be able to fly to Denver International Airport (DEN) and Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) with United Airlines beginning Sept. 25.<br /><br />United Airlines will provide a once daily flight to Denver and two daily flights to Chicago O'Hare. United Airlines previously offered flights from Columbia to these destinations before having to suspend service as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, but is returning with an upgraded aircraft product to both destinations.<br /><br />All flights will offer first class; the twice-daily Chicago flights will be flown on a CRJ-550 aircraft with 10 United First seats and 20 Economy Plus seats with nose-to-tail in-seat power, Wi-Fi and increased on-board bag storage.<br /><br />"We are proud to work with United Airlines to expand routes for passengers," said City Manager De'Carlon Seewood. "Bringing new destin
ations has always been a priority for COU, and this partnership will make business and leisure travel even more convenient for passengers."<br /><br />In a Passenger Demand Analysis from 2024, Denver was one of the top destinations requested at COU. It was also identified as the top desired destination by attendees at the City's inaugural Community Summit held in March 2025.<br /><br />The flight to Denver is made possible by the Small Community Air Service Development Program Grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation. <br /><br />"United is pleased to return to Central Missouri, providing travelers with daily, direct service on two-cabin aircraft to our global hubs in Denver and Chicago," said Mark Weithofer, managing director of Domestic Network Planning at United Airlines. <br /><br />The addition of flights is also crucial in supporting economic drivers and major employers in the community, like the University of Missouri. <br /><br />"Increased air service is an i
ncredible resource for our university and the entire community," said University of Missouri President Mun Choi. "Mizzou has ambitious plans to transform the world, including a new research reactor to produce more cancer-fighting radiopharmaceuticals. Quick, convenient air travel is essential to achieving our lifesaving goals and helping us welcome students, faculty, staff and industry partners to the area."<br /><br />The impact of Columbia Regional Airport extends well beyond Columbia, signaling broader economic growth and connectivity for the entire state.<br /><br />"United Airlines' return to Columbia is a strong vote of confidence in Missouri's growing economy and the strength of our communities," said Gov. Mike Kehoe. "When private industry chooses to invest and expand in our state, it shows that Missouri is open for business and moving in the right direction. We welcome United back and look forward to the opportunities this connection brings for our citizens and busin
esses alike."<br /><br />Reservations for flights will be available for booking this evening at <a href="https://www.como.gov/CMS/pressreleases/United.com">United.com</a>.</div>
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<div style="margin-top: 15px; margin-bottom: 20px; text-align:center;"><p>City of Columbia Vision<br>
<em>Columbia is the best place for everyone to live, work, learn and play.</em></p>
<p>City of Columbia Mission<br>
<em>To serve the public equitably through democratic, transparent and efficient government.</em></p>
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<p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p>
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