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Canyonlands Airport officials say federal carrier decision is delaying bookings
Summary
Airport Director Steven Gleason told the board that the U.S. Department of Transportation’s pending Essential Air Service (EAS) carrier selection is creating uncertainty that may be suppressing passenger bookings beyond September; staff are monitoring the DOT docket and coordinating with tourism partners.
Canyonlands Regional Airport staff told the board June 1 that uncertainty around the federal Essential Air Service (EAS) carrier selection is affecting passenger demand and airline activity. Airport Director Steven Gleason said the U.S. Department of Transportation—not the County—will make the final carrier decision and that airport staff "continue to await a decision."
Gleason explained that the County submitted a recommendation but either Contour Airlines or Denver Air Connection could still be selected, and the delay may be influencing travelers attempting to book flights beyond September. He said staff monitor the DOT docket daily and coordinate with county and travel‑council partners to adapt marketing plans once the decision is known. Howard Trenholme of the Travel Council told the board the Travel Council and County Commission have approved added summer marketing funds and urged timely coordination with any future airline service.
Board members and staff discussed how the selection timeline might depress advance bookings and complicate marketing timing. Trenholme asked staff to verify whether marketing funds previously allocated by Contour remain available for use; staff committed to investigating and reporting back. Next steps noted at the meeting: continued DOT-monitoring by airport staff and coordinated outreach with the Travel Council to align promotional spend with any announced service.
