The Lincoln Airport announced Thursday that American Airlines will begin from Lincoln to three destinations. Starting June 2026, American Airlines will begin nonstop service from LNK to Dallas/Fort Worth and Chicago O’Hare airports, as well as seasonal winter service to Phoenix launching in Winter 2026.
Airport officials said the new service follows a period of community engagement and market analysis. An LNK conducted survey showed that roughly 40% of respondents regularly travel to the Dallas/Fort Worth market. LNK will offer twice-daily service to Dallas/Fort Worth and daily service to Chicago O’Hare. Studies conducted by CMT, the airport’s air service development consultant, identified Phoenix as Lincoln’s top overall travel market. However, due to the lack of nonstop service, only about five percent of Lincoln-area travelers currently access Phoenix through LNK.
“This is a pivotal moment for Lincoln Airport and for our community,” said Chris Hove, Chair of the Lincoln Airport Authority Board. “American Airlines’ decision to serve Lincoln brings competition, affordability, and global connectivity back to our market.”
Hove estimates the economic impact of this service will generate a “conservative estimate” of $75 million for Lincoln.
“Phoenix consistently ranks as one of the most requested destinations,” said Rachel Barth, Director of Air Service Development and Strategic Marketing. “Whether it’s winter travel, second-home ownership, conferences, or simply escaping the cold, the demand has always been there. American’s service finally allows Lincoln travelers to access that market directly.”
With this addition, Barth added that Lincolnites will now have access to 271 destinations worldwide. This marks the return of American Airlines to LNK after more than two decades.
More details on schedules and fares will be announced by American Airlines. For the latest updates, visit lincolnairport.com.
This announcement continues momentum for LNK Airport, which recently launched United flights to Denver and Chicago and Breeze Airways flights to Orlando, Florida. Breeze will also begin routes to Las Vegas, Nevada, and Orange County, California, next spring.
