Undoubtedly, they were wondering why the crowd was there.

When the sliding doors snapped open, allowing them into the main waiting room, they were hit with a blizzard of multi-colored string launched by the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance Ambassadors.

The barrage was in celebration of the first new flight linking Fort Dodge and Denver. It marked the return of a flight option that had been missing for about four years.

“The return of direct service to Denver – our gateway to the west – is more than a new route,” said Astra Ferris, chief executive officer of the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance. “It’s about connection, access and continuing to position our region for growth.”

-Messenger photo by Bill Shea
Passengers on the first new flight into Fort Dodge Regional Airport from Denver International Airport deplane Thursday morning.

“Air service plays a key role in economic development,” she added. “It allows our businesses to stay competitive, makes it easier to attract and retain talent, and connects us to broader markets and opportunities.”

United Express, operated by SkyWest Airlines, connected Fort Dodge Regional Airport and Denver International Airport from October 2021 to April 2022.

After that service was dropped, Fort Dodge still had flights to Chicago- O’Hare International Airport, but none going west.

Local officials and Growth Alliance leaders worked with airline managers to change that. Mayor Dave Flattery said they even went to St. George, Utah, to meet with Skywest officials.

“This is something we wanted back,” said Sarah Rustvold, the airport’s director of aviation.

-Messenger photo by Bill Shea
The ground crew for United Express/Skywest Airlines secures the jet that just arrived at Fort Dodge Regional Airport from Denver Thursday morning.

Their efforts were successful, and just before 10 a.m.Thursday a flight from Denver touched down in Fort Dodge.

A flight from Fort Dodge to Denver took off at about 6:30 p.m.

“This is an exciting day for the City of Fort Dodge,” Flattery said.

“Skywest has been a continual partner,” he added.

Matt Johnson, the chairman of the Fort Dodge Regional Airport Commission, said the new flights will continue to grow the airport and the community.

“Now the focus is on continuing to support and utilize the westward service at our airport so it can thrive, grow and succeed long term,” Ferris said.