For years, travelers in Muskegon faced limited flight options and frequent frustrations with their air service provider for flights to Chicago O’Hare International Airport. But a new chapter is set to begin for Muskegon County Airport (MKG) with the arrival of Denver Air Connection.
The airline has a reputation for reliability and on-time performance, say airport officials.
Ken Efting, Muskegon County Airport director, says the new partnership with Denver Air Connection marks a significant step toward restoring jet service to pre-pandemic levels.
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Courtesy Muskegon County AirportDenver Air Connection will replace Southern Airways Express at Muskegon County Airport.
"This change highlights the importance of MKG as a critical piece in West Michigan’s economic growth," says Efting.
The Federal Aviation Administration on Sept. 19 approved MKG’s request to end its contract with Palm Beach, Florida-based Southern Airways Express, clearing the way for Denver Air Connection to take over as the airport’s Essential Air Service provider.
The switch comes after ongoing advocacy from U.S. Rep. Hillary Scholten, who called on the FAA to address the region’s air service challenges.
Denver Air’s weekly schedule starts Nov. 1 with 24 weekly flights on its 50-seat Embraer all-weather regional jets between the airport, at 99 Sinclair Drive in Norton Shores, and O’Hare. The flights are about 35 minutes.
Denver Air Connection, based in Denver, is a subsidiary of Key Lime Air.
Southern Airways began serving the Muskegon airport in October 2022 following SkyWest Airlines' departure. The airline operated nine-seat commuter planes between Muskegon and O'Hare, but airport officials said the size of the planes restricted passenger capacity, and the aircraft's lack of all-weather capability often led to flight cancellations.
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Courtesy Muskegon Convention and Visitors BureauUpgrades are coming to the Muskegon County Airport.
Pushed for a change
“I am grateful to the FAA for finally taking the long-awaited action Muskegon County Airport needed,” says Scholten. “Southern Airways Express failed to fulfill their contract, cutting off the region from tourism revenue and making travel difficult for Muskegon residents. Muskegon is a vital economic hub, and it needs an airline that can support its growth. I’m excited to see what Denver Air Connection will bring to our community.”
Denver Air Connection’s track record is a major draw for Muskegon, according to Jon Coleman, the airline’s senior vice president of corporate strategy, touting its industry-leading 99.75% flight completion rate and over 80% on-time performance.
“We’re thrilled to offer the people of West Michigan a dependable option starting Nov. 1,” he says.
Denver Air Connection has baggage and ticketing agreements with United, American, and Delta airlines, enabling smooth booking and baggage transfers to any destination they serve. Passengers can book tickets directly through the three airlines or via third-party travel sites. With a single layover in Chicago, travelers from Muskegon will have access to 282 destinations.
Muskegon County Airport has collaborated with Denver Air Connection to offer passengers several perks, including free parking and complimentary checked bags. As tickets become available across booking platforms in the coming days, more details, including fare information and final flight schedules, will be announced.
The Denver Air Connection announcement comes on the heels of another boost for the airport: a $22 million federal investment to upgrade its infrastructure. Scholten, the only Michigan representative on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, has been actively involved in improving air service for the region. That project is set for spring 2025.
Other upgrades also are planned for the airport, including:
- A major renovation and modernization of the passenger terminal (fall/winter 2024).
- Construction of post-security family restrooms (winter 2024/spring 2025).
- Renovation and reopening of the terminal restaurant (spring 2025).
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