Changes in airline services have been announced for the Vernal Regional Airport. According to a press release issued this week, services at Vernal Regional Airport are set to undergo changes in early February 2024 when Contour Airlines will begin commercial flights. RedTail Air Adventures, another commercial flight provider, will introduce services to Salt Lake City starting next week. The current service at the Vernal Regional Airport provided by Skywest will continue until the transition with Contour Airlines. The press release explains, “The necessity to switch to another provider arose when Skywest Airlines disqualified itself from competing for a new contract, as determined by the Department of Transportation. Commercial flights to and from Vernal are subsidized by the FAA, with contract bids occurring every three years. Unfortunately, Skywest’s revised business approach failed to meet federal requirements despite several attempts. The Vernal community expresses gratitude to Skywest for their years of service and dedication to enhancing commercial air service in the region.” This year’s passenger figures with Skywest achieved a record high for commercial airline travel from Vernal Regional Airport. The switch to Contour Airlines will commence flights in partnership with American Airlines with twelve weekly flights to and from Phoenix, AZ. Airport officials and Contour are actively exploring a second destination. More information will be available as the transition approaches. In the meantime, those wishing to book a flight with RedTail Airlines can visit www.FlyRedTail.com for reservations.
