Travelers will have more options to reach Montrose Regional Airport this summer as airlines expand nonstop service and increase flight frequency to several major U.S. cities.
The Colorado Flights Alliance announced an updated 2026 summer schedule that includes new nonstop service from Los Angeles and expanded flights from Chicago, Houston, Dallas and Denver.
United Airlines will introduce new Saturday nonstop flights between Los Angeles International Airport and Montrose from May 23 through Sept. 19. The route adds another West Coast connection for the Western Slope community and visitors traveling to the Telluride region.
Service from Chicago O’Hare will increase significantly this summer. United plans to operate flights five days per week from May 21 through Sept. 21, more than doubling last summer’s frequency. Direct flights between Chicago and Montrose typically take about 3 hours and 45 minutes.
Houston service will also expand, with United operating daily flights between May 21 and Aug. 10, followed by twice-weekly flights through Sept. 23.
Air service from Denver and Dallas will continue with multiple daily flights on United, Southwest and American Airlines, while Southwest will maintain Saturday service from Dallas Love Field during part of the summer schedule.
Airlines are also increasing seat capacity during the spring shoulder season. According to the Colorado Flights Alliance, American and United will deploy larger mainline aircraft, while Southwest will operate daily flights on Denver and Dallas routes during April and May. Overall seat capacity is expected to increase approximately 20% in April and 40% in May.
Montrose Regional Airport serves as a key gateway for travelers visiting Montrose, Telluride and surrounding Western Slope destinations. The airport offers nonstop flights to multiple hubs including Denver, Dallas, Phoenix, Chicago and Houston during the summer months, with additional seasonal destinations typically added during the winter ski season.
Montrose Regional Airport provides access to roughly a dozen nonstop destinations nationwide on several major carriers, including United, Southwest and American Airlines.
