NBC Montana: Flights added so Montanans can attend Griz game

Following Sen. Tester’s calls for the CEOs of major airlines to add flights so Montanans could attend the FCS Natonal Championship game in Dallas, Delta and American Airlines added a nonstop flight from Missoula to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport to accommodate demand.

The following was sent out by the Office of Senator Jon Tester:

American Airlines has joined Delta in responding to U.S. Senator Jon Tester’s calls for the CEOs of major airlines to add flights so that Montanans can attend the FCS National Championship game in Dallas, Texas between the University of Montana Grizzlies and the South Dakota State Jackrabbits. Earlier today Delta today announced they would add a nonstop flight from Missoula to the Dallas Fort Worth airport (DFW) to accommodate additional demand.

Senator Tester sent a letter over the weekend calling on airline CEOs, including American’s and Delta’s, to expand flight options ahead of the title game. Tester continues to urge other airlines to add flight options.

“Many Montanans need access to affordable air service to travel to Dallas on the weekend of January 7th,” wrote Tester to the major airline CEOs after the Grizzlies defeated North Dakota State University to advance to the title game. “With the recent success of Montana State University making it to the National Championship in 2021, we learned that existing air service to Montana communities is insufficient to handle the increased demand the weekend of the championship game. That’s why I ask that your airlines immediately explore options to increase service the weekend of January 7, 2024.”

Tester emphasized that he is willing to work with the CEOs and airport directors to help accommodate fans: “As a member of the Senate Commerce Committee and a lead author of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, I’ve worked to ensure that Montana airports are well equipped to take on additional flights. I am confident Montana airport directors will work with you to add flights to accommodate the additional demand to Dallas.”

Tester has led the charge to upgrade Montana’s airport infrastructure. Last month, Tester secured nearly $30 million for Montana’s airports for repairs and improvements for runways, taxiways, safety and sustainability projects, as well as terminal, airport-transit connections and roadway projects.

Tester has also led the effort to lower costs and expand access to reliable air service in rural communities. In May, Tester introduced his bipartisan Small Community Air Service Enhancement Act to increase flight options for travelers in rural America.