(Natchez, MS – July 1, 2026) Today officials of the Natchez-Adams County Airport celebrate both the completion of the hangar renovation and the return of commercial air service to our area. The 10,000-square-foot hangar was transformed into a modern terminal in four months through the diligent work of many partners. The airport staff and advisory board commend the team of Thrash Commercial Contractors Inc., Waycaster Dungan Architecture and Engineers, Graham Coffelt with Neel-Schaffer, Vasey Aviation, and Brett Simon of BSJA on their attention to detail and the urgency of this project.
This project would not have been possible without support from many agencies such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Mississippi Department of Transportation, the Mississippi Development Authority, the Adams County Board of Supervisors, and the City of Natchez. Their investment and partnership have helped restore commercial air service that will improve accessibility for residents and businesses throughout Natchez and Southwest Mississippi.
QUOTES OF INTEREST:
“I am grateful for the opportunity to come on board as the Airport Director. We are blessed to have such fantastic team members and consultants to work alongside. Having their level of expertise was key to executing the monumental task of opening a commercial airport in six months. I appreciate the support of our community and look forward to seeing our airport grow in the future” Carl Beasley, Director, Natchez-Adams County Airport
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“This is an exciting milestone for the Natchez community and we at United are thrilled to provide nonstop service between Natchez and Houston,” said Chris Earley – Senior Regional Manager, Airport Operations at United. “Travelers will be able to conveniently reach Houston as well as destinations across United’s leading global route network through seamless one-stop connections.” ___
“We are thrilled to welcome United’s new nonstop service. This new flight creates even more opportunities for visitors to discover everything our destination has to offer while making travel more convenient for our residents and business community. Air service is a major step forward for tourism and economic growth, and we look forward to welcoming new travelers and strengthening connections to our region. We appreciate SkyWest and United’s investment in our community and are excited to welcome visitors from all over the world!” Lynsey Gilbert, Interim Director, Visit Natchez ___
“This is a truly historic day for the greater Natchez region. The opening of our new terminal and the establishment of commercial air service represents years of hard work, collaboration, and an unwavering belief in the future of our community. I want to sincerely thank the outstanding team of local, state, and federal partners whose dedication made this vision a reality. Most importantly, we extend our deepest appreciation to SkyWest and United for believing in our market and investing in the people and businesses of our region. Commercial air service is much more than a convenience; it is a catalyst for economic development. It strengthens our ability to recruit new industries, support existing employers, attract visitors, and create new opportunities for future generations. Now it’s our turn. The long-term success of this service depends on the support of our regional citizens, businesses, and employers. We encourage everyone to choose Natchez first and book their flights here. Together, we can ensure this service grows and continues to pave the way for even greater economic success. Thank you to everyone who helped make today possible. The future is taking flight, and it begins right here in Natchez. Book HEZ today!” Chandler Russ, Executive Director, Natchez, Inc. ___
“We are thrilled to celebrate a truly historic milestone for Natchez – the launch of the first-ever scheduled 50-seat commercial jet service in our city’s history. Through our partnership with SkyWest and United Airlines, we’re opening a gateway to the global economy. Residents can now check in at home, clear TSA in Natchez, and connect seamlessly to destinations around the world on a single ticket. This service will strengthen tourism, drive economic growth, and make it easier than ever for the world to experience the history, culture, and hospitality that make Natchez so special” Dan Gibson, Mayor, City of Natchez ___
“Seeing commercial air service return to Adams County has always been a vision of mine during my tenure as a member of the Board of Supervisors. This is truly an exciting day for Natchez and Adams County.” Angela Hutchins, President, Adams County Board of Supervisors ___
“The Natchez-Adams County Airport Terminal represents far more than a new building. It represents a new gateway to our community. From the beginning, our objective was to create a facility that is efficient, welcoming, and reflective of the pride and character of Natchez while adhering to the standards required for modern commercial air travel. The team that the county assembled to accomplish this task was incredible. We are honored to have been a part of it. Thank you.” Johnny Waycaster, AIA, Principal Architect, Waycaster Dungan Architect and Engineers ____
“Thrash Commercial Contractors, Inc. is honored to have played a role in bringing commercial air service back to Natchez and Southwest Mississippi. Transforming an existing aircraft hangar into a fully operational passenger terminal in just over four months required urgency, trust, and strong coordination from the entire project team. We are grateful to the Natchez-Adams County Airport, Adams County, our design partners, consultants, subcontractors, and everyone involved who helped make this project possible. We also want to give a special thank you to Trey Jacobs and Brady Johnson, our team members who were on site every day helping drive the project to completion. Seeing the first flight depart from this new terminal is a special moment, and we are proud to be part of a project that will have a lasting impact on the Natchez region.” – Josh Thrash, President, Thrash Commercial Contractors, Inc. ____
“Our Natchez team is happy to continue serving the community where we live and work and the impact this project has on the community will be felt for years to come” Graham Coffelt, Neel-Schaffer
About the Natchez-Adams County Airport:
The Natchez-Adams County Airport offers scheduled commercial service through a partnership between United Airlines and SkyWest. The airport is a Part 139 Class I certified facility for scheduled commercial service that features a 6,500-foot runway with existing Instrument Landing System (ILS). For more information, visit flynatchez.com.
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