We need your help!!

Our region has been without the Fort Dodge → Denver direct flight since June 2022. Traveling to Des Moines or Minneapolis for a direct flight to Denver is inconvenient, costly, and time-consuming. Fort Dodge Regional Airport has been working hard to bring this flight back, and SkyWest is aware of the strong demand. Now it’s our turn to show support — please help us get the direct route reinstated!

Key perks of flying directly from Fort Dodge Regional Airport include:

• Helpful to surrounding areas such as Webster City, Carroll, Storm Lake, Spencer, Dennison, Algona, Okoboji, and other nearby towns.
• Easy connecting flights to other airports such as (not limited to) Phoenix (PHX), Los Angeles (LAX), New York/Newark (EWR), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Las Vegas (LAS), Orlando (MCO), and Mexico City (MEX), as well as international flights.
• Short security lines & quick TSA.
• Free parking – easy access without long-term fees.
• Minimal wait times & crowding – stress-free check-in and boarding.
• Close to home – saves 2–4 hours of driving to Des Moines or Minneapolis (easier to access rides or leave vehicle at airport).
• Friendly, personal service – smaller airport staff provide more attentive support.
• Easy connections – access to Denver as a hub for flights across the U.S. (easy access for students/family from out of state, traveling for quick trips or appointments).
• Save time and travel hassles for families, students, workers, and medical travelers.

Below includes the formal letter that will be sent to the Fort Dodge Regional Airport, including the list of signatures.

*The petition will CLOSE ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 1ST AT 11:59PM.

Please feel free to write your own letters of support regarding how the reinstatement of this flight will directly benefit you, your families, your careers/companies, etc. and email them directly to flyfodtoden@gmail.com (petition email) or fdairport@fortdodgeiowa.org with the subject: Reinstate SkyWest FD to Denver Flight (or something similar).

THANK YOU FOR ALL OF YOUR SUPPORT!

___________________________________________________________________________

11/18/25

To:
SkyWest Airlines
United Airlines
Fort Dodge Regional Airport Leadership
Appropriate Aviation Partners

Subject: Letter of Support for Reinstating the Fort Dodge → Denver Round Trip Direct Flight

Dear SkyWest, United Airlines, and Airport Leadership,

We, the undersigned residents, travelers, and supporters of the Fort Dodge region and beyond, along with residents and travelers throughout Colorado, and connecting hubs, respectfully urge the reinstatement of the round-trip direct flight from Fort Dodge Regional Airport (FOD) to Denver International Airport (DEN). Fort Dodge and surrounding communities — including Webster City, Carroll, Storm Lake, Spencer, Dennison, Algona, Okoboji, and nearby towns — deserve strong, reliable air service, while travelers from Colorado and connecting hubs likewise deserve convenient access to northwest and central Iowa communities. The removal of this direct flight in June 2022 has negatively affected convenience, business travel, tourism, and regional accessibility.

According to FlyDSM 2025 Quick Facts, Denver is the #1 travel destination from Des Moines International Airport, with over 232,000 passengers annually, demonstrating strong demand from mid-sized Iowa communities. Residents from Fort Dodge and surrounding towns currently drive 2–4 hours to Des Moines or Minneapolis for Denver flights. A direct FOD–DEN flight would save time, improve convenience, and allow Iowa travelers to access Denver efficiently — just as Des Moines residents do today.

This flight also benefits travelers from Colorado visiting family, business partners, and regional destinations in northwest and central Iowa. It provides convenient access for new visitors, supports tourism and business opportunities, and creates two-way demand between the regions. Since its removal, travelers have faced longer travel times, unreliable connections, and higher expenses.

Restoring this service would:

• Improve accessibility for families, students, workers, and medical travelers
• Support economic growth, tourism, and regional business development
• Strengthen Fort Dodge’s role as a connected, thriving community
• Provide a reliable western hub connection through Denver
• Improve and expand travel options for both residents and visitors
• Restore a crucial, safe, and convenient travel option

We urge SkyWest, United Airlines, airport leadership, and aviation partners to reinstate this essential route, supporting small Midwest communities while also serving travelers from Colorado to Fort Dodge and surrounding areas. By doing so, you would demonstrate your commitment to regional connectivity and respond to the strong, two-way demand reflected in our communities.

Sincerely,

Residents, travelers, and supporters across Iowa, Colorado, and connecting regions