American Airlines is adding service to two small airports in Virginia and West Virginia.
The carrier confirmed Friday that it will start service from Chicago O’Hare and Charlotte, North Carolina, to Shenandoah Valley Airport in Weyers Cave, Virginia, and Greenbrier Valley Airport near Lewisburg, West Virginia, in February 2026.
The flights will be subsidized through the U.S. Transportation Department’s Essential Air Service program, American said.
Separately, officials at Charlotte Douglas International Airport said this week that flights to Shenandoah Valley will start Feb. 3, while flights to Greenbrier Valley will commence Feb. 10.
SkyWest will operate the flights under the American Eagle brand, according to the Shenandoah Valley Airport Commission. The carrier will use dual-class regional aircraft with seats for between 65 and 76 passengers.
Shenandoah Valley previously had a connection to Chicago with United Express. Those flights were “extremely popular” with residents, officials said.
“We are thrilled to welcome SkyWest Airlines back to the Shenandoah Valley market,” commission chairman Michael Heatwole said in a statement. “This new service represents an important step forward in expanding air connectivity for our region. We believe these routes will not only enhance travel opportunities for Shenandoah Valley residents but also support economic growth by strengthening business and tourism ties throughout the region.”
Currently, the airport is served only by Contour Airlines with a connection to Charlotte. The carrier will give up the route in February when American and SkyWest step in.
“We are deeply grateful to Contour Airlines for their service to our community over the past three years,” airport communications director Heather Ream said in a news release. “Their partnership has been invaluable in keeping the Shenandoah Valley connected, and we sincerely appreciate their commitment to our region and our travelers.”
Greenbrier Valley is also served by Contour and has a single connection to Charlotte.
According to DOT documents, American and SkyWest will operate service between Greenbrier Valley and Chicago and Charlotte through Oct. 31, 2029.
