Springfield airport nabs new nonstop flight to Charlotte

Springfield-Branson National Airport officials announced today it would add a new hub to its list of nonstop destinations this fall.

Starting Nov. 5, American Airlines would offer flights to and from Charlotte Douglas International Airport in North Carolina. With the service, the airport known by its code SGF would offer 11 nonstop destinations, according to a news release.

“This new service is great news for the community and region,” said Charlotte Hardin, chairwoman of the airport’s governing board, in the release. “It gives Springfield customers access to American’s second-largest hub in North America, when measured by departing seats.”

The hub represents a new option for Springfield fliers headed to the Northeast. Currently, airport customers typically fly through Chicago or Atlanta to reach destinations such as New York City, Philadelphia, Orlando, Pittsburgh, Boston and Washington, D.C. Airport officials say Charlotte also would provide connectivity to international destinations.

With Charlotte service, SGF would have an average 25 daily departures. The other major hubs are Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas and Denver, according to the release.

“Support from the business community and our congressional delegation helped make this new service a reality,” said Brian Weiler, airport director, in the release. “Before starting new service, one of the things airlines look for is business support and interest from lawmakers.”