United Airlines to offer nonstop trips to Dulles, Denver from Huntsville

Huntsville International Airport is getting nonstop service to two new destinations, Washington-Dulles and Denver, United Airlines announced Wednesday.

The service to Denver is scheduled to begin Feb. 14; twice daily service to Washington-Dulles begins April 9.

"It is always positive when we add new nonstop service to two new destinations currently not served,'' said Barbie Peek, the airport's marketing director. "It opens up new opportunities for leisure and business travelers to have new direct service. We are happy.''

Peek said that the airport had been working to get service to both Denver and Washington-Dulles.

There had not been daily nonstop service to Dulles International Airport near Washington since Independence Air shut down service nationwide in January because of financial problems.

The proposed flight schedule between Huntsville and Denver will be operated by United Express partner SkyWest. The schedule between Huntsville and Washington-Dulles will be operated by United Express partner Mesa. Late morning and afternoon flights are planned.

"We're excited to add Huntsville to our global network and look forward to serving customers traveling to and from this key U.S. Southeastern city," said Kevin Knight, United's vice president of Resource Planning. "The new service will connect customers to hundreds of destinations around the world, including our newest capital-to-capital service between Washington, D.C., and Tokyo Narita."

A sample fare between Huntsville and Denver on United Express is $149 each way, based on required roundtrip purchase by Dec. 6. A sample fare between Huntsville and Dulles on United Express is $124 each way.