LYNCHBURG, Va. (WSET) — The Lynchburg Regional Airport is about to get yet another travel destination!
Lynchburg Airport names new director. (Credit: Rachel Tillapaugh/WSET)
Soon, travelers will be able to choose from direct flights to both Chicago and Washington Dulles.
Wynter Benda, the Lynchburg city manager, said this will open the door to more destinations and easier connections worldwide.
“These expansions will give travelers from central Virginia one-stop connections to more than 200 destinations worldwide, making it easier than ever to reach customers, family and opportunities across the globe,” Benda said.
Thursday, it was announced that United would begin providing daily service to Chicago O’Hare. On Friday, the additional expansion to Washington Dulles was announced.
RELATED: United Airlines to add direct flight from Lynchburg airport to Chicago O’Hare
The two non-stop daily flights will begin on March 24, 2026 and operate seven days a week.
Some frequent flyers, like John Dickens, said they are quite excited to hear this news.
“So, I’ve lived here for seven years and been flying for maybe about the past five years, and I was kind of maybe giving up hope that we would get something else. So, it’s really a nice surprise to have more options,” Dickens said.
Officials said this has been a long time coming, and they’re excited to see it come to fruition. They say it’s an investment in growth and connectivity.
ABC13: You were talking about the economic development impacts. What will this have on the Lynchburg area for economic development?
“Well, I think anytime all the businesses, I’ve been doing this for quite some time now, and a lot of the businesses, especially those that do, you know, a lot of travel and international travel, they are always talking to me about air. Can we get more airlines? How do we get in and out? It’s also a huge recruitment tool,” said Marjette Upshur, director of economic development and tourism.
Dickens said he agrees there will be positive outcomes.
“I’m really hoping that having more flights here not only will make travel easier for residents but also bring in new business. So be great for our economy,” Dickens said.
ABC13: Are you looking at adding more airline services in the next coming year to years?
“You wouldn’t believe this, but the highest of the popular destination from here is Florida, leaving from here. So we’re hoping that maybe we would get, maybe an ultra low carrier area carrier to go to that particular area,” said Catherine Vance, the assistant airport director.
Tickets for the new flights are currently available online.
