In a major milestone for regional transportation, economic growth, and tourism, the Historic City of Natchez announced that daily United Express jet service, operated by SkyWest Airlines, will soon connect Natchez–Adams County Airport (Hardy–Anders Field) to Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). The new flights are set to begin on July 1, 2026.
This landmark achievement represents years of collaboration among the Adams County Board of Supervisors, the City of Natchez, the Natchez–Adams County Airport, SkyWest Airlines, and United Airlines. The effort stems from the JET Natchez Initiative, launched in 2021 to secure commercial air connectivity for historic Natchez and Adams County — Mississippi’s oldest county and the oldest city on the Mississippi River.
The new route will operate daily using a 50-passenger CRJ200 jet aircraft, offering a flight time of less than 45 minutes to Houston. Passengers departing from Natchez will receive full TSA screening, ensuring seamless connections through Houston to United’s extensive global network without additional security checks.
“These new flights will make it easier than ever for travelers in the Miss-Lou region to get anywhere they want to go on United’s global network,” said Cody Thomas, Managing Director of Market Development for SkyWest Airlines. “We’re proud to add the beautiful city of Natchez to our Mississippi destinations, alongside our operations in Meridian and Hattiesburg.”
“It will be just like you’re flying out of Jackson or Baton Rouge,” added Kevin Wilson, President of the Adams County Board of Supervisors. “You’ll park in Natchez, check in with TSA, and fly anywhere in the world on a single United ticket, competitively priced and completely seamless.”
This marks the first commercial air service for Natchez in over 30 years — and city leaders say it’s a game-changer.
“This achievement is a game-changer for Natchez,” said Mayor Dan M. Gibson. “For the first time in over thirty years, we will not only have commercial air service again, but we will have the best. SkyWest and United are premier partners for airports all over the world. Natchez will now be connected by air to those markets.”
An independent catchment study projects more than 10,000 passengers during the first 12–18 months of service, reflecting strong demand across the Miss-Lou region. The flights are expected to boost tourism, industrial recruitment, and film production, while also supporting the expansion of American Cruise Lines, the nation’s largest river cruise operator, which plans to develop new itineraries beginning and ending in Natchez as early as spring 2028.
“We are excited to see a commercial airline with such a large network bring service to Natchez,” said Charlie Robertson, CEO of American Cruise Lines. “Thousands of our guests fly in for Mississippi River Cruises each year, and we look forward to making Natchez a point of embarkation in the future.”
Local economic leaders echo this optimism.
“Having commercial air service will help us greatly in our recruitment of industry,” said Chandler Russ, President of Natchez Inc. “Prospective development clients will no longer have to fly into New Orleans or other airports to reach Natchez — they can fly directly here. And existing industries are more likely to grow with this added convenience.”
Mississippi native Tate Taylor, acclaimed director of The Help and other major productions, praised the announcement as a win for the state’s growing film scene.
“This is great news for our movie industry in Natchez,” Taylor said. “Having direct service from LAX and other parts of the country will enhance our ability to bring major productions to Natchez. Our Crooked Letter stage studios are equipped and ready.”
Supervisor Warren Gaines emphasized the wide-reaching benefits of the project.
“This is a major game changer for Adams County citizens and will have a major impact on economic development possibilities,” Gaines said. “Investors can fly directly into the county to view property for future industry locations. This project represents true teamwork between the City of Natchez, Natchez Inc., our consultants, and state and federal partners.”
Mayor Gibson reflected on the long-term vision that made this moment possible.
“Of everything our Natchez Renewal has brought to Natchez, this may very well be the most significant,” he said. “We started on this journey in 2021 and never gave up. It is key to taking us to even greater heights.”
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