MONROE, La. (KNOE) – Tuesday was the first day of American Airlines\u2019 new midday flight between Monroe Regional Airport (MLU) and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW).<\/p>\n
The new flight departs MLU at 12:47 p.m., bound for DFW.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s a lot easier. It\u2019s more convenient not having to get up early or take the late flight. Definitely more convenient during the mid-afternoon,\u201d said passenger Shelby Hatfield.<\/p>\n
Before the addition, travelers could only choose from three departure times \u2014 5:57 a.m., 10 a.m., or 5:50 p.m.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur passengers will have a more, a bigger, larger amount of seats to choose from on whatever their destination is. So it\u2019s going to definitely enhance the airport and enhance our traveling experience for our travelers,\u201d said Charles Butcher, director of Monroe Regional Airport.<\/p>\n
Growing demand<\/p>\n
The new midday option comes as demand at the airport continues to grow. Butcher said the Meta project nearby is a big part of that.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd with all the meta project, I think that\u2019s a big factor as well. We\u2019ve got a lot of contractors flying in and other people coming in, and I think that will definitely enhance their traveling experience getting into Monroe,\u201d Butcher said.<\/p>\n
Butcher said the new flight was not easy to secure.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo we\u2019re basically taking a flight away from some other market. They\u2019re not adding airplanes. So, to enhance our market, somebody else is probably losing their flight. So, obviously all we\u2019re concerned about is Monroe, but, we\u2019re thankful that they saw an opportunity there,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n