Key Takeaways
• American Airlines starts nonstop winter flights to Sun Valley from Chicago and Phoenix, Dec 18, 2025 to April 6, 2026.
• Friedman Memorial Airport upgrades include a new private jet hangar and terminal improvements for better winter travel.
• Local projects improve airport access with safer walking paths and community involvement in planning growth.
Travelers planning winter trips to Sun Valley will soon have more options and greater convenience, thanks to new seasonal nonstop flights set to launch at Friedman Memorial Airport in Hailey. American Airlines has announced it will begin direct service from two major cities—Chicago and Phoenix—starting December 18, 2025, and running through April 6, 2026. This move is expected to make it much easier for visitors, especially those coming for Sun Valley’s famous ski season, to reach the area quickly and comfortably.
This expansion is not just about new flights. It’s part of a larger effort to improve the airport, boost the local economy, and make the region more welcoming for both commercial and private travelers. Let’s break down what these changes mean, who will benefit, and how the community is preparing for a busier winter season.
American Airlines Brings New Winter Flights to Hailey
Who: American Airlines, one of the largest airlines in the United States 🇺🇸
What: Launching new nonstop winter flights
When: December 18, 2025, through April 6, 2026
Where: Friedman Memorial Airport (SUN) in Hailey, Idaho
Why: To improve access to Sun Valley, a top winter resort, and meet growing demand
How: Direct flights from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) using Embraer E175 jets
These new flights will run during the peak winter season, making it easier for travelers from the Midwest and Southwest to reach Sun Valley without long layovers or complicated connections. Tickets for these flights became available for purchase on June 30, 2025, giving travelers plenty of time to plan their winter getaways.
Why Sun Valley and Friedman Memorial Airport?
Sun Valley is known across the United States 🇺🇸 for its beautiful mountains, historic ski lodges, and lively winter sports scene. Each year, thousands of visitors come to enjoy the snow, the scenery, and the unique charm of this Idaho destination. However, getting to Sun Valley has sometimes been a challenge, especially for those coming from outside the region.
Friedman Memorial Airport is the main gateway to Sun Valley and the Wood River Valley. By adding more direct flights, especially from major hubs like Chicago and Phoenix, American Airlines is making it much easier for people to visit. This is good news not just for tourists, but also for local businesses, workers, and anyone who depends on winter tourism.
Details of the New Flight Service
American Airlines’ new service includes:
- Nonstop flights from Chicago O’Hare (ORD) and Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) to Friedman Memorial Airport (SUN)
- Seasonal operation: December 18, 2025, through April 6, 2026
- Aircraft: Embraer E175 jets, which are well-suited for mountain airports and regional routes
- Ticket sales: Opened June 30, 2025
These flights are designed to fit the needs of winter travelers, especially those coming for skiing and other snow activities. The Embraer E175 is a modern, comfortable jet that can handle the unique conditions of mountain airports like Friedman Memorial Airport.
How This Fits with Existing Flight Options
The new American Airlines routes will add to the airport’s current winter schedule. In the previous winter season (2024-25), Friedman Memorial Airport offered daily nonstop flights from cities like Salt Lake City, Denver, Seattle, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Chicago. These flights, operated by various airlines, also used Embraer E175 jets.
By adding direct flights from Chicago and Phoenix, American Airlines is giving travelers more choices and making it easier to find flights that fit their schedules. This is especially helpful for people who want to avoid long drives or multiple connections.
Airport Upgrades and Expansion
To get ready for more flights and more visitors, Friedman Memorial Airport is making several improvements:
New Private Jet Hangar
- The airport board has approved negotiations with Clay Lacy Aviation to build a second private jet hangar.
- This new hangar will increase space for private and charter jets, which are popular with high-end travelers and private groups.
- The design will use local architectural styles to blend in with the natural surroundings.
- As of mid-2024, this project is still in the negotiation stage.
Terminal Modernization and Airfield Maintenance
- The airport has completed or is working on several projects to improve the terminal and runways.
- The terminal has been expanded and updated to reflect the natural beauty of the region and to meet federal safety and security rules.
- Recent pavement maintenance ensures smoother operations for all flights, especially during winter weather.
These upgrades are important for both safety and comfort. A modern terminal and well-maintained runways help flights run on time and make the airport experience better for everyone.
Local and Regional Improvements
The City of Hailey and other local agencies are also working to make the area around the airport safer and more welcoming:
- Airport Way Improvements: Plans include safer paths for people walking or biking, better lighting, and new landscaping. These changes will help keep travelers safe and create a more attractive entrance to Hailey and the Wood River Valley.
- Community Involvement: Local groups are inviting residents to share their ideas and concerns about these projects, making sure that growth benefits everyone.
These efforts show a strong commitment to balancing growth with community needs and environmental care.
Stakeholders and Their Roles
Several groups and leaders are involved in these changes:
- Airport Board Chair Martha Burke has stressed the importance of transparency and following all Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules during the new hangar negotiations and other projects.
- American Airlines has said it wants to make top ski destinations like Sun Valley easier to reach, and this new service is a key part of that plan.
- Local government and airport authorities are working together to make sure that new projects fit the community’s needs and protect the local environment.
By working together, these groups hope to make Friedman Memorial Airport and Sun Valley even more attractive to visitors while keeping the area’s unique character.
What This Means for Travelers
For anyone planning a winter trip to Sun Valley, these changes bring several benefits:
- More direct flights: Travelers from Chicago and Phoenix can now fly straight to Friedman Memorial Airport, saving time and hassle.
- Easier access to ski resorts: With more flights and better airport facilities, it’s simpler than ever to reach Sun Valley’s famous slopes and lodges.
- Better experience at the airport: Upgraded terminals and improved runways mean smoother arrivals and departures, even during busy winter months.
- Safer and more welcoming surroundings: New paths, lighting, and landscaping make it easier and safer to get to and from the airport.
These improvements are expected to attract more visitors, boost local businesses, and create new opportunities for workers in the area.
Economic and Community Impact
The expanded flight service and airport upgrades are likely to have a big impact on Hailey, Sun Valley, and the wider Wood River Valley:
- Increased tourism: More flights mean more visitors, especially during the busy winter season. This can help hotels, restaurants, shops, and other local businesses.
- More jobs: As tourism grows, there may be more jobs in hospitality, transportation, and other services.
- Support for high-end tourism: The new private jet hangar will make it easier for wealthy travelers and private groups to visit, bringing in more spending and investment.
- Improved quality of life: Better airport facilities and safer streets benefit not just visitors, but also local residents and workers.
However, growth also brings challenges. Local leaders are working to make sure that new development is balanced, sustainable, and respectful of the area’s natural beauty.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Winter Travel to Sun Valley
The new American Airlines flights are expected to become a regular part of the winter season at Friedman Memorial Airport. If demand continues to grow, the airline may add more flights or extend the season in future years.
At the same time, the airport and local governments are planning for continued growth:
- Ongoing infrastructure investments: Projects like the second jet hangar and terminal upgrades will help the airport handle more passengers and private flights.
- Urban renewal and transportation projects: Improvements to roads, paths, and public spaces will make the area around the airport safer and more attractive.
- Community engagement: Local agencies are encouraging residents to get involved in planning and decision-making, ensuring that growth benefits everyone.
These steps are designed to keep Sun Valley and Hailey competitive with other top winter destinations, while also protecting what makes the area special.
How to Book and Stay Informed
Travelers interested in the new flights can book tickets directly through the American Airlines official website, which provides up-to-date schedules and prices. For the latest news about airport projects and community meetings, the Friedman Memorial Airport Authority shares updates on its official website.
Community members who want to get involved in local planning, such as the Airport Way improvements, can contact the Hailey Urban Renewal Agency for more information.
Official Resources
- American Airlines: For flight bookings, schedules, and travel policies, visit the American Airlines website.
- Friedman Memorial Airport Authority: For airport news, meeting notices, and project updates, visit the official airport website.
- U.S. Department of Transportation: For information about airline consumer rights and airport regulations, visit the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Practical Tips for Winter Travelers
If you’re planning to fly into Friedman Memorial Airport for a winter trip to Sun Valley, here are some tips to make your journey smoother:
- Book early: Winter flights, especially around holidays, can fill up quickly. Booking as soon as tickets go on sale gives you the best choice of dates and prices.
- Check baggage policies: Different airlines have different rules for ski equipment and winter gear. Review these policies before you pack.
- Plan ground transportation: While the airport is close to Sun Valley, arranging a shuttle, rental car, or ride service ahead of time can save you time on arrival.
- Stay updated on weather: Winter weather can sometimes cause delays. Keep an eye on your flight status and have a backup plan just in case.
Conclusion: A New Era for Sun Valley Winter Travel
The launch of new American Airlines nonstop winter flights to Friedman Memorial Airport marks a major step forward for Hailey and Sun Valley. With better access, improved airport facilities, and strong community support, the region is set to welcome more visitors than ever before. These changes promise to boost the local economy, create new opportunities, and make Sun Valley an even more attractive destination for winter travelers from across the United States 🇺🇸 and beyond.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, these developments reflect a growing trend of airlines and airports working together to meet the needs of modern travelers, while also investing in the communities they serve. Whether you’re a skier, a business traveler, or a local resident, the future of winter travel to Sun Valley looks brighter—and more accessible—than ever.
For more details on airport operations, travel tips, and official regulations, visit the U.S. Department of Transportation website, which offers helpful resources for all travelers.
By staying informed and planning ahead, you can make the most of these exciting new options at Friedman Memorial Airport and enjoy everything Sun Valley has to offer this winter and beyond.
Learn Today
Friedman Memorial Airport → Main airport serving Sun Valley and the Wood River Valley, enabling regional and seasonal flights.
Nonstop flights → Direct flights between two airports without any layovers or stops in between.
Embraer E175 → A regional jet aircraft ideal for mountain airports due to its size and performance.
Private jet hangar → Specialized building for storing and maintaining privately owned aircraft safely and securely.
Seasonal operation → Flight services that operate only during specific times of the year, such as winter months.
This Article in a Nutshell
American Airlines expands winter service to Sun Valley with nonstop flights from Chicago and Phoenix starting December 2025. Friedman Memorial Airport upgrades include a second jet hangar and terminal modernization, enhancing travel convenience. These changes boost local tourism, safety, and economy, securing Sun Valley’s status as a premier winter destination.
— By VisaVerge.com
