United Airlines to Launch New Denver Flights to Flagstaff, Arizona, Joining Delta in Expanding Service to Grand Canyon Gateway

Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG), a key gateway to Northern Arizona's iconic attractions, is poised for a significant expansion of air service with the addition of new routes by both United Airlines and Delta Air Lines in the summer of 2027. United Airlines announced its intention to operate twice-daily nonstop flights from Denver International Airport (DEN) to FLG, commencing on August 10, 2027. This strategic move by United, a member of the Star Alliance, follows closely on the heels of Delta Air Lines' own announcement, made less than 48 hours prior, to introduce similar twice-daily nonstop service from Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) to FLG, beginning June 7, 2027. Both major carriers have selected the Bombardier CRJ-550 aircraft for these new routes. The CRJ-550 is a regional jet known for its three-class configuration, which for these specific flights will include 10 first-class seats, 20 extra-legroom economy seats, and 20 standard economy seats, offering a tiered passenger experience.

Flagstaff's strategic location, situated just over two hours north of Phoenix, makes it an ideal hub for accessing some of Arizona's most celebrated destinations, including the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon National Park and the picturesque red rock city of Sedona. The city is also home to Northern Arizona University, contributing to its local demand for air travel. The introduction of these new services by United and Delta is expected to significantly alter the competitive landscape at FLG. Historically, American Airlines has been the dominant carrier at the airport. American has maintained a long-standing presence, serving FLG from its Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) hub for decades. More recently, since 2018, American Airlines has also provided service from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). Interestingly, United Airlines has prior experience operating the DEN-FLG route, having flown it from 2019 through 2022, according to schedule data compiled by the aviation analytics provider Cirium. The recent expansion of air service to Flagstaff is partly facilitated by an $800,000 federal grant recently awarded to FLG. This grant is specifically designed to incentivize airlines to establish new flight routes to either DEN or SLC, thereby enhancing regional connectivity and making these popular destinations more accessible. The dual announcements from United and Delta underscore a growing recognition of the market potential in Flagstaff and aim to provide more convenient and competitive travel options for both leisure and business travelers looking to explore Northern Arizona's natural wonders and cultural attractions.