Lynchburg Regional Airport Courts New Airlines and Expanded Routes

Lynchburg Regional Airport is moving fast to bring more flights and bigger planes in 2025 while it upgrades its main runway. Airport leaders are pitching new United Airlines service to Washington Dulles (IAD) and Chicago (ORD) and planning runway rehabilitation to boost future growth. At an August 6, 2025 business event, consultants and local leaders laid out the plan: keep current flights running, push for new routes, and finish the runway work on time. They say these steps will help travelers, employers, and students who rely on easy, reliable air service.

What’s happening now

• New airline pitches: The airport’s consultant, Margret Muir, says talks with United Airlines focus on flights to Dulles (IAD) and Chicago (ORD). Timing is tight because United lacks open gates at Dulles until late 2026. Upgrading to 76-seat jets is on the table to replace older 50-seat aircraft.
• Runway rehabilitation: Work on Runway 4-22 started June 1, 2025 and runs through August 30, 2025. A second phase may run October 1–31, 2025. Work includes pavement repair, grade corrections, and LED lighting funded by the FAA’s Airport Improvement Program. Most work happens at night, with some schedule changes to reduce disruption.

Current service and demand

American Eagle, flown by Piedmont Airlines, operates 14 daily flights to Charlotte. Charlotte is the busiest route, carrying 77,220 passengers from October 2023 to September 2024. Daily departure seats average around 300, which is lean for a region with growing business needs—hence the push for more options and larger aircraft.

Incentives on the table

• The airport secured a $600,000 Small Community Air Service Development Program (SCASDP) grant in late 2023.
• Local partners matched the grant, creating an incentive pool of more than $1 million.
• The package supports a Chicago route and returning larger jets—ideally with a first-class cabin—on Charlotte service.
• The grant can include a revenue guarantee to reduce airline risk and help keep fares in check.

For details on the federal program, see the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Small Community Air Service Development guidance on the U.S. DOT website.

Airport voices on timing and needs

• Margret Muir: Air service growth depends on airline fleet plans and hub capacity. “United’s expansion at Dulles hinges on gate availability,” she says, pointing to late 2026 for relief.
• Airport Director Andrew LaGala: Business and community buy-in matters—companies must show they’ll use the flights, and residents should “fly local” when possible.
• Christine Kennedy (Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance): More seats and choices help companies recruit talent and reach clients faster.

Construction details that matter to travelers

Expect:

• Nighttime work and some weekend changes while crews finish runway rehabilitation.
• The airport and airlines aim to keep most flights on schedule, but travelers should check with American Airlines before departure.
• If a second work phase runs in October, similar late-day or evening shifts may apply.
• The upgrades—pavement repairs, improved lighting, and corrected grades—will improve safety, reliability, and allow larger aircraft to operate more efficiently.

Bigger picture: why this matters

Lynchburg Regional Airport connects the region to national and global markets. Currently many travelers route through Charlotte, then connect onward. Direct service to Dulles and Chicago would:

• Provide direct access to international connections (via Dulles)
• Expand access to Midwest and West Coast cities (via Chicago)
• Increase competition, which tends to hold fares steady and improve schedule choices

Infrastructure investments already in place

Key upgrades already completed:

• Runway extension to 7,100 feet
• New 22,500-square-foot concrete apron

These improvements allow the airport to handle aircraft over 100,000 pounds, supporting both commercial and general aviation. They strengthen the airport’s pitch to airlines by demonstrating the facility can handle larger planes and efficient turnarounds.

Short-term tips for travelers and businesses

• Check your flight status during runway work, especially for late-night or weekend departures.
• Allow extra time for same-day connections in case of minor schedule shifts.
• Businesses planning group travel should coordinate early with airlines and the airport to flag demand.

Medium- and long-term outlook

1. United Airlines
   • If Dulles gate limits ease by late 2026, new flights to IAD and possibly ORD become more likely.
   • Strong local demand would strengthen the case.
2. Aircraft upgrades
   • Moving to 76-seat jets would add seats and comfort.
   • Restoring a first-class cabin on Charlotte flights would aid business travelers and improve connections.
3. Network growth
   • More flights and larger planes mean better on-time performance and fewer sold-out flights during peak periods.

How the route development process works

The airport and consultant:

1. Collect data on passenger demand, local business needs, and fare trends.
2. Meet with airlines and present how incentives reduce risk.
3. Request a test schedule from airlines.
4. Rely on community support—when people “fly local”, it proves demand.

According to VisaVerge.com analysis, regional airports that combine data-driven pitches with strong local usage see better success in winning new routes.

Community role and practical steps

• Fly from Lynchburg Regional Airport when you can—each ticket sold helps build the case for more service.
• Ask your employer’s travel team to track bookings from LYH; airlines value detailed demand data.
• Share feedback with the airport and business groups about schedules and destinations you need most.

Background context

Before the pandemic, the airport offered up to seven daily flights with a mix of cabins, including first class. COVID-19 reduced service to smaller, main-cabin-only planes and fewer departures. By mid-2023, passenger traffic rebounded to about 85% of pre-pandemic levels. The runway rehabilitation and incentive program aim to finish the recovery and spur growth beyond it.

Key dates and details to remember

Where to get official updates

For construction notices, schedule changes, and new route announcements:

• Check Lynchburg Regional Airport website: flylyh.com
• Follow the City of Lynchburg’s bid portal and local news for project and airline-talk updates

Final takeaways

• The runway rehabilitation is a short-term inconvenience that sets the stage for bigger planes and more flights.
• United service to Dulles and Chicago is a top priority but depends on hub gate availability—patience and strong local demand are important.
• Incentives lower airline risk, and infrastructure upgrades show the airport is ready for growth.
• Travelers and businesses can help by flying local, sharing demand data, and staying informed.

In simple terms: the airport is investing now so it can serve more people with better schedules in the years ahead. The path depends on both industry timing and community support. With steady use and smart planning, Lynchburg Regional Airport can land the flights it’s pitching—and give the region the choices it needs.