Key Takeaways
• SkyWest Airlines increases Pierre–Denver flights from 12 to 16 weekly during October-November 2025, a 35% capacity boost.
• Four-year Essential Air Service contract starts August 1, 2025, replacing Denver Air Connection at Pierre Regional Airport.
• Extra flights help Pierre Regional Airport meet federal enplanement thresholds, securing future Essential Air Service funding.
SkyWest Airlines is set to play a much larger role in Central South Dakota’s travel scene after securing a four-year contract for essential air service at Pierre Regional Airport. This expansion is coming at a crucial time, as the region prepares for its busiest travel stretch of the year: hunting season. For local residents, hunters, and anyone needing reliable air connections, this change promises better options and greater reliability.
Boosting Flights for Pheasant Hunting Season
Each fall, Central South Dakota 🇺🇸 becomes a hub of activity as hunters from all around the country flock to the area for the famous pheasant hunting season. The months of October and November mark the start of this prime hunting period, drawing thousands of visitors looking to take part in one of the country’s best outdoor traditions.
SkyWest Airlines, operating under the United Express name, has announced a plan to increase its weekly flights between Pierre and Denver International Airport. During October and November 2025, the number of scheduled flights will jump from 12 to 16 each week, a 35% increase in available seats compared to regular months. This is a direct response to the higher demand during hunting season—a time when hotels, businesses, and airports across the region see a big spike in activity.
Pheasant hunting doesn’t just boost the area’s economy; it impacts transportation networks, too. With so many visitors arriving in a short window, local air service is often stretched thin. More flights mean less crowded planes, smoother travel experiences, and more options for both hunters and everyday travelers.
Essential Air Service: What It Means for Central South Dakota
The Essential Air Service (EAS) program, set up by the U.S. Department of Transportation, helps small communities like those in Central South Dakota 🇺🇸 maintain regular commercial flights. These flights are critical because they allow residents, visitors, and business travelers to connect easily to larger hubs, such as Denver.
SkyWest Airlines’ new role as the EAS provider for Pierre Regional Airport starts on August 1, 2025, replacing Denver Air Connection, which held the position for several years. The new contract from the Department of Transportation is notable; it covers four years, rather than the usual two. This longer term aims to give the region a period of stability and time to plan for the future.
Passengers who need to fly in or out of Pierre after August 1, 2025, can already book seats on SkyWest’s flights using United Express. For flights before that date, Denver Air Connection will continue to serve both Pierre and the nearby Watertown airport, giving travelers a clear and simple transition period.
Why the Change Matters
Travel in Central South Dakota 🇺🇸 isn’t just about convenience; it supports the area’s way of life and economic health. The arrival of hunting season brings with it an influx of tourists, outdoor enthusiasts, and business visitors. If there aren’t enough flights, hunters may look elsewhere, which could hurt local hotels, restaurants, and stores. By boosting the number of flights at the exact time they’re needed most, SkyWest Airlines is helping to meet local demand and keep business coming to the region.
The move is also about more than hunting. Local families and business travelers benefit from having more choices and better ongoing service. These flights can play a vital role in allowing residents to access healthcare, visit family, or attend important events in other parts of the country.
There’s another big reason for this timing: in order to qualify for ongoing EAS federal funding, airports must reach a certain number of annual boardings, known as enplanements. If numbers fall short, airports risk losing this support, which could have a domino effect—fewer flights, higher prices, and less access for everyone. This expansion helps Pierre Regional Airport stay above the required threshold, protecting the community’s air links for years to come.
SkyWest Airlines’ Role and Broader Impact
SkyWest Airlines has a strong reputation for connecting small and mid-sized communities with major hubs. Becoming the chosen EAS provider for Central South Dakota’s Pierre Regional Airport is a recognition of the company’s ability to handle peaks in demand, weather regional storms, and keep flights on track.
The focus for October and November is on pheasant hunters, but SkyWest’s added flights are open to everyone. Whether someone is coming for hunting season or needs to travel for work, family, or other reasons, these extra flights translate to increased flexibility and convenience. Local officials and tourism groups are hopeful this will give a boost to both short-term and long-term growth.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the timing of these extra flights could help the region attract more visitors who might not have come otherwise. Hunters often book their trips months in advance, and knowing there are reliable flights available could make Pierre—and the wider region—more appealing for people deciding where to spend their hunting vacation.
The Transition: What Travelers Need to Know
People looking to book flights for travel to or from Pierre Regional Airport should note the change in providers. Until July 31, 2025, Denver Air Connection remains the airline to use for booking trips. After that, all flights will be served by SkyWest Airlines as United Express. This transition is designed to be as smooth as possible, with both airlines working together to avoid confusion or gaps in service.
Travelers can now choose and secure their seats with SkyWest Airlines for dates after August 1, 2025, meaning hunting parties and others can lock in travel plans well in advance. This certainty is vital during hunting season, when flights and hotels often sell out months before opening weekend.
If you want more details about the Essential Air Service program, how airports like Pierre Regional are supported, or official contract information, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s EAS program page is a good place to check.
Links Between Hunting Season and the Local Economy
Pheasant hunting is deeply woven into the culture and identity of Central South Dakota 🇺🇸. Every October, hunters arrive in waves, filling hotels, visiting restaurants, shopping at rural businesses, and spending time with local guides. The impact is felt everywhere, from smaller mom-and-pop shops to larger outdoor supply stores.
Hunting season brings millions of dollars into the local economy each year. For small towns and cities, even a single season’s activity can be the difference between local businesses thriving or struggling to make ends meet. Reliable air service makes it possible for hunters—many of whom travel from distant states or even other countries—to get to Central South Dakota 🇺🇸 easily, often connecting through large airports like Denver before arriving in Pierre.
Increased flights mean these visitors are more likely to keep coming back, and new hunters might consider Central South Dakota 🇺🇸 for the first time. When hunting season is over, the strength of air service can help keep tourism and business ticking, something local leaders are keen to see continue year-round.
Feedback and Future Developments
The community’s response to the coming switch has been mostly positive. Hunters, local businesses, and tourism officials see the move as a chance to cement Central South Dakota’s 🇺🇸 place on the map as a top destination for outdoor recreation, not just during pheasant hunting season, but all year long.
Some have raised concerns about possible disruptions during the switch from Denver Air Connection to SkyWest Airlines. Local airport leaders and the two airlines have been working closely with the Department of Transportation to make this handover as smooth as possible, including clear booking instructions and open communication about any schedule changes.
The four-year contract with SkyWest Airlines is also seen as a vote of confidence in the airport’s continued importance. Stability in air service helps businesses plan ahead, tourism boards invest in new campaigns, and travelers feel confident about booking trips months or even years in advance.
What This Means for International Travelers and Immigration
While much of the current focus is on domestic hunters and travelers, Central South Dakota 🇺🇸 does see a share of international visitors, especially during hunting season. For foreign nationals considering a visit, the increased flight options can make planning easier. Reliable air service through connections in Denver—one of the largest international airports in the United States 🇺🇸—makes it simpler for travelers coming from abroad to reach the region without excessive layovers or risk of missing connections.
This is particularly important during busy hunting season weeks, when last-minute flight changes or weather disruptions could otherwise lead to missed hunting trips and lost deposits on expensive guided excursions. With better flight coverage, international guests can feel more confident in making their plans, and the region can continue building its reputation as an easy-to-reach destination even for those with longer journeys.
Looking Ahead: The Broader Picture
SkyWest Airlines’ expanded service in Central South Dakota 🇺🇸 is about more than just extra flights for a few months. It’s a sign of the area’s growing appeal as a destination, the importance of air links in supporting small communities, and the ripple effect that good transportation can have on the local economy.
The Essential Air Service program, backed by the U.S. Department of Transportation, remains the backbone of these air connections. By meeting or exceeding passenger thresholds during hunting season and throughout the year, Pierre Regional Airport stays eligible for future support. That means safe, regular flights for everyone in the community, not just visiting hunters.
If you have plans to visit Central South Dakota 🇺🇸, whether for hunting, business, or personal reasons, it’s worth keeping an eye on the changes. More flights mean more flexibility, and with the region’s future as a travel hub looking bright, both the community and its visitors have plenty to look forward to.
In summary, SkyWest Airlines is about to make a big difference in Central South Dakota 🇺🇸 by bringing more flights during the vital hunting season, making travel easier for everyone, and giving a boost to local businesses. Whether you’re a hunter, a local traveler, or coming from far away, these changes help make the trip smoother and keep the region thriving for seasons to come.
Learn Today
Essential Air Service → A federal program ensuring small communities keep reliable commercial air service, subsidized by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Enplanements → The official count of passengers boarding commercial flights, crucial for airports to qualify for certain funding and support programs.
United Express → A regional airline brand under which SkyWest Airlines operates flights connecting smaller communities to United Airlines’ major hubs.
Pheasant Hunting Season → A highly popular fall event in South Dakota attracting thousands of hunters, greatly increasing local travel and economic activity.
Department of Transportation → The U.S. government agency managing transportation policy and funding, including the Essential Air Service program for rural airports.
This Article in a Nutshell
SkyWest Airlines will launch a major service boost in Central South Dakota, raising Pierre–Denver flights by 35% during hunting season. Their new four-year Essential Air Service contract ensures more reliable options and economic growth. This expansion helps Pierre Regional Airport maintain vital federal support and attracts both hunters and other travelers.
— By VisaVerge.com
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