WEST PADUCAH, KY (February 13, 2026) — Barkley Regional Airport (PAH) will host an Inaugural Air Service Celebration at 3 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 27, inside the airport terminal to officially mark the launch of new United Express service operated by SkyWest Airlines. This celebration comes after a year of planning, advocacy, federal review, and overwhelming community support.
The celebration will feature a brief program with remarks from airport and local leadership, followed by a ceremonial ribbon-cutting and light refreshments.
The new daily service begins on Tuesday, Feb. 24, connecting the Purchase Region to both Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), providing seamless one-stop access to 271 global destinations through United Airlines’ network.
“This celebration represents months of collaboration, careful evaluation, and community advocacy. Reliable, high-quality air service is essential to economic development, tourism, and business growth. This moment positions our region for long-term success,” said Dennis Rouleau, Executive Director of Barkley Regional Airport. “The results of this Essential Air Service (EAS) process secured dual-hub access to two global gateways, a fully branded United Airlines codeshare partnership, and the most advanced aircraft to serve Barkley in decades; this is exactly the type of air service our community deserves.”
The new air service operates on the CRJ550 aircraft, offering first-class, Economy Plus, and Economy seating options with expanded legroom, onboard carry-on capability, and full participation in United’s MileagePlus loyalty program. With both Chicago and Houston hubs now accessible from Paducah, travelers can efficiently reach national, international, and Caribbean destinations, often with optimized connection times and same-day return options for business travel.
As Barkley Regional Airport approaches its 80th year of service, the Feb. 27 inaugural celebration highlights a powerful contrast: in an era when many regional airports are fighting to maintain basic connectivity, Barkley is growing stronger. While other small communities face shrinking options, the Purchase Region now enjoys expanded global access, upgraded aircraft, and full network integration. This milestone reflects not only a successful EAS bid but a community determined to protect and strengthen its hometown airport.
Community members, business leaders, and media representatives are invited to attend the celebration inside the main terminal at Barkley Regional Airport.
Travelers can explore schedules, plan their trip, and learn more about Barkley Regional Airport at FlyBarkley.com. Flights are available for booking through United.com and other major travel platforms.
Barkley Regional Airport is at 100 Terminal Drive in West Paducah, Kentucky. For additional information about the inaugural celebration or new United service operated by SkyWest, contact Kat Byars, Marketing Manager and Public Information Officer, at 270-744-0521 or kat@flybarkley.com.