November 6, 2025 (Abilene, TX) – SkyWest Airlines, the nation’s largest regional airline carrier, will launch new, direct United Express flights from Abilene Regional Airport (ABI) to Denver (DEN) and Houston (IAH) beginning in March 2026, through a partnership with the Development Corporation of Abilene (DCOA) and the City of Abilene.
This initiative, named Project Rise, represents a major step forward in expanding connectivity through Abilene Regional Airport to support Abilene’s growing economy. It provides the access needed for continued business investment, development, and workforce talent attraction.
“We’re excited to partner with the Abilene community and to provide these new United Express flights to both Denver and Houston,” said Cody Thomas, Managing Director of Market Development at SkyWest Airlines. “Having access to two additional hubs will make it simple and convenient for travelers to connect to hundreds of destinations worldwide on United’s global network.”
“We heard the citizens of Abilene’s request for additional service, and we worked to provide a solution,” said Abilene Mayor Weldon Hurt. “By partnering with the DCOA and SkyWest, we are making that commitment a reality. Project Rise will expand travel options, improve convenience, continue to support our growing companies, and enhance the quality of life for everyone who lives and works in Abilene.”
“Project Rise is a direct investment in Abilene’s business community,” said Misty Mayo, President and Chief Executive Officer of the DCOA. “Businesses need reliable connectivity to compete, grow, and expand. Through Abilene’s partnership with SkyWest, we are strengthening Abilene’s position as a premier destination for business expansion.”
Companies expanding in Abilene are investing in the community’s growth and creating new opportunities that depend on faster access to national markets. Adding new air service will help these employers attract talent, connect with clients, and continue to grow in Abilene, Texas.
“This project creates new opportunities, strengthens our economy, and reinforces the value of collaboration in Abilene,” said Emily Crawford, Abilene City Manager. “We look forward to these new routes benefitting our residents and businesses in Abilene.”
“Project Rise is about creating options for the businesses that drive our economy and the people who make Abilene home,” said Shea Hall, Chair of the DCOA Board of Directors. “When Abilene expands access, opportunity is expanded; for local companies to grow, for new employers to invest, and for our community to stay connected to what’s next.”
“The United Express flights, operated by SkyWest, to Denver and Houston at Abilene Regional Airport are a valuable and long-sought addition to our American Airlines service and will help us provide exceptional flight options to our travelers and business partners,” said Don Green, Director of Transportation Services for the City of Abilene and Abilene Regional Airport.
For more information on economic development initiatives and business expansion in Abilene, visit DevelopAbilene.com.
About the Development Corporation of Abilene
The DCOA is the economic development driver of Abilene with the goal to build the future Abilene by attracting and sustaining industries that support job creation, foster strong business, and ensure a prosperous community. The DCOA is focused on the future success of the community and leverages the DevelopAbilene partnership to market Abilene as the premier location for business expansion. Learn more at: DevelopAbileneTX.com or @DevelopAbilene.
About SkyWest Airlines
SkyWest Airlines is a subsidiary of SkyWest, Inc. and operates through partnerships with United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, and Alaska Airlines, carrying over 42 million passengers to 257 destinations throughout North America. Learn more at www.skywest.com.
About Abilene, Texas
Located along Interstate 20, just two and a half hours west of the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex, Abilene, is a thriving community of over 130,000 residents with a labor shed exceeding 140,000.
