Flights to Denver

It was just a mention Tuesday during a presentation by airport director Brian Ryks at a Duluth Chamber of Commerce luncheon.We can get Denver, said Ryks, referring to United Airlines adding direct flights to Denver.Actually there was a big IF involved.That's IF United’s nonstop flights to Chicago are successful, Ryks said.

The twice-daily Chicago flights were United’s entrance into the Duluth market in December. Becoming the second major airlines serving Duluth, it’s up against well established and formidable Delta Air Lines which flies daily to the Twin Cities and Detroit.The first year is always a make-or-break year for any new air service in Duluth. And last year was a dismal year for air travel everywhere. But this year's first quarter’s 8 percent increase in passenger traffic at the Duluth International Airport is improving the odds of success, along with an improving economy and an increase in ticket sales nationwide.

So far, United is pleased with the passenger level of its Duluth Chicago flights, Ryks told the News Tribune.It’s building, but they want to see continual growth, not for business to plateau, he said.Once Chicago is secure, Denver is the natural destination to add to United’s Duluth service. It’s United’s second biggest hub Chicago is its biggest. And Denver is the sixth most popular destination for travelers out of Duluth, Ryks said.It’s been discussed as recently as two weeks ago with United officials, he said, adding: They want to see Chicago service work first.