Columbia Regional Airport plans Denver service restoration | Mid-Missouri News [Video]

COLUMBIA — The Columbia Regional Airport has received a federal grant to restore service to Denver more than four years after the route closed when United Airlines suspended its flight from COU to the Denver International Airport.

The funding comes through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Small Community Air Service Development Program, which is designed to help small communities address air service and airfare issues, according to the official website for the program.

The route has been closed since May 3, 2020, after United Airlines suspended the Denver flight due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

COU currently offers nonstop flights to Chicago and Dallas through American Airlines.

“Community members have long been requesting the return of air service to the Denver area,” said Stacey Button, the city of Columbia director of economic development. “We have listened to these requests, and thanks to this grant award, COU will be able to connect residents in the region to …