LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) – Travelers will soon have more nonstop options out of Lincoln Airport.
Airport officials announced Thursday that American Airlines will begin service at Lincoln Airport (LNK) in 2026, adding nonstop flights to Dallas/Fort Worth and Chicago, with seasonal winter service to Phoenix also planned.
Twice-daily flights to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and daily flights to Chicago O’Hare (ORD) are set to begin in June 2026. Seasonal winter service to Phoenix (PHX) will follow later in Winter 2026.
Airport leaders say the addition marks one of the biggest air service expansions in recent years and reflects strong demand from the Lincoln community.
“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. The economic impact is conservatively estimated at $75 million, making this a tremendous win for Lincoln.”
The new routes follow months of market analysis and community outreach. A business travel survey conducted by the airport last year drew responses from nearly 350 local companies, with about 40% reporting regular travel to the Dallas/Fort Worth area.
Today, DFW ranks as Lincoln’s third-largest air travel market, with roughly 150 passengers traveling between the two cities each day.
In addition to Dallas and Chicago, American will introduce seasonal winter flights to Phoenix, a destination airport officials say has long topped travelers’ wish lists.
“Phoenix consistently ranks as one of the most requested destinations,” said Rachel Barth, director of air service development and strategic marketing for Lincoln Airport. “Whether it’s winter travel, second homes, conferences, or just escaping the cold, the demand has always been there. This service finally allows Lincoln travelers to access that market directly.”
Studies conducted by the airport’s air service consultant found Phoenix to be Lincoln’s top overall travel market, though only about 5% of travelers currently access it through LNK due to a lack of nonstop flights.
With American Airlines joining the airport’s lineup, passengers flying out of Lincoln will now have one-stop access to 271 destinations worldwide.
American will operate the routes using CRJ-700 and CRJ-900 aircraft, offering First Class, Main Cabin Extra, and Main Cabin seating — an option airport leaders say business travelers have consistently requested.
“American is excited to now offer service to more cities than any other airline from Lincoln,” said Joseph Hughes, American Airlines’ managing director of government affairs. “With Lincoln joining our global network, residents will have convenient one-stop access to more than 350 destinations around the world.”
The announcement caps a year of rapid growth at Lincoln Airport. Officials say the airport has rebounded sharply from pandemic-era service reductions.
On July 4, 2025, LNK operated eight daily departures on one airline to two destinations. By July 4, 2026, the airport is projected to offer 14 daily departures to five destinations on three airlines — an 81% increase in available seats.
U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer praised the expansion, calling it a boost for Nebraska’s economy and connectivity.
“This expansion underscores LNK as a driver of economic growth and a vital transportation hub that connects Nebraskans to opportunity and commerce nationwide,” Fischer said.
American Airlines is expected to release additional details on schedules and fares at a later date. Updates will be posted at lincolnairport.com.
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