Canyonlands Regional Airport (CNY) in Moab, Utah, is set to broaden its route network with new services to two major western hubs. Starting in October, United Express will launch year-round flights to Denver International Airport (DEN), while Delta Connection will resume seasonal operations to Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC). Both routes will be operated by regional carrier SkyWest Airlines, which has a strong presence in the intermountain West.
New connectivity for Moab
The additions are designed to give travelers more convenient access to Moab, a destination known for its national parks and outdoor recreation. Michael Soleta, director of the Moab Office of Tourism, highlighted the significance of the new links: "New service from Denver and Salt Lake City makes Moab easier to reach from across the country and around the world."
United Express will operate one or two daily roundtrips between CNY and DEN, with the inaugural flight departing Denver at 8:00 am on 7 October. Delta Connection will offer one daily roundtrip to SLC, operating through Thanksgiving before pausing and resuming in March. Both services will use 50-passenger regional jets, a common configuration for SkyWest's operations.
Cody Thomas, Managing Director of Market Development at SkyWest Airlines, expressed enthusiasm for the new routes, noting the ease and convenience they bring to local travelers and the opportunities for visitors to explore the Moab region. "We're excited to offer more options for both residents and tourists," Thomas said.
Booking and loyalty benefits
Passengers can book flights through the airlines' websites and mobile apps. United Express flights will earn MileagePlus miles, while Delta Connection flights will accrue SkyMiles. This integration into the major carriers' networks is expected to boost inbound tourism and provide locals with better access to national and international connections.
The new services come as regional airports across the U.S. seek to expand their reach. For example, Emirates' new daily Dubai-Helsinki service demonstrates how carriers are adding point-to-point routes to meet demand. Similarly, Nok Air's new Hyderabad-Bangkok link highlights the trend of secondary airports gaining international connectivity.
Moab's tourism officials are optimistic that the added air service will support the local economy, which relies heavily on visitors to Arches and Canyonlands national parks. The airport's improved connectivity is also expected to benefit business travelers and those attending events in the region.
For more information on visiting Moab, travelers can visit discovermoab.com.
