Three Airlines to Pitch Service Plans at Veterans Airport

SkyWest, American, and Contour will present proposals to community leaders in Marion, Illinois.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

Officials at Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois in Marion will hear three air service proposals over the coming days as the airport prepares to make its recommendation to the U.S. Department of Transportation about which airline will provide the best service and generate the most ridership. SkyWest Airlines, American Airlines, and Contour Airlines will each present their proposals to community leaders.

Why it matters

The airport is looking to select an airline that can best serve the local community and attract the most passengers. This decision will impact air travel options and connectivity for residents in the Marion area.

The details

SkyWest Airlines will present on Thursday, March 6 at 1 p.m., followed by American Airlines on Wednesday, March 11 at 1 p.m., and Contour Airlines on Wednesday, March 18 at 1 p.m. The presentations will take place in the Airline Terminal Charter Lounge. Denver Air Connection has also submitted a proposal, but it's unclear if they will make a public presentation. The public is encouraged to review the proposals on the airport's website and provide feedback.

  • The presentations will take place on the following dates:
  • * Thursday, March 6 at 1 p.m. - SkyWest Airlines
  • * Wednesday, March 11 at 1 p.m. - American Airlines
  • * Wednesday, March 18 at 1 p.m. - Contour Airlines

The players

Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois

The airport located in Marion, Illinois that is seeking proposals from airlines to provide the best service and generate the most ridership.

SkyWest Airlines

An American regional airline that will present a service proposal to the airport on March 6.

American Airlines

A major American airline that will present a service proposal to the airport on March 11.

Contour Airlines

An American regional airline that will present a service proposal to the airport on March 18.

Denver Air Connection

An airline that has submitted a service proposal to the airport, but it's unclear if they will make a public presentation.

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What’s next

The airport will review the proposals and make a recommendation to the U.S. Department of Transportation about which airline should be selected to provide service.

The takeaway

The decision on which airline will provide service at Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois is an important one that will impact air travel options and connectivity for the local community. The public is encouraged to review the proposals and provide feedback to help the airport make the best choice.