In a news release today, Hays city official reported they have been notified Great Lakes Airlines plans to discontinue passenger service at Hays Regional Airport beginning March 31.

The U.S. Department of Transportation recently awarded the contract for passenger service at the Hays Regional Airport to Sky West Airlines. That service will begin later this summer. The current Great Lakes contract for service is through May 1. Great Lakes’ suspension of service means passengers who typically use Hays Regional Airport will have to seek other outlets until service is established with Sky West. Passengers with existing tickets will need to contact Great Lakes’ customer service at (800) 554-5111.

Sky West will be initiating service at the Hays Regional Airport later this summer, flying as United Express. While the specifics of the schedule and the start date are still being worked out, the plan is to provide two flights a day, on most days, to the Denver International Airport using 50 passenger regional jets. The specifics of the schedule and date of implementation will be made public in the near future.

“We are disappointed that Great Lakes chose to abandon the Hays market rather than fulfill their contract. However, we are looking forward to a bright future at the Hays Regional Airport,” said Hays City Manager Toby Dougherty. “We feel that Sky West’s superior equipment and reliable service will not only lure back those passengers we lost due to Great Lake’s recent operational issues, but will help us attract passengers that might not have considered using the Hays Regional Airport in the past.”

In preparation for the new service city staff will be working with Sky West officials to ensure a smooth implementation. Staff will also be moving forward with a planned remodel of the passenger terminal which will include updates to the passenger lobby and restrooms as well as an enlargement of the post TSA passenger seating area.