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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 23, 2020
Contact: Angie Spear, 907-474-2529

American Airlines to Offer New Summer Seasonal Service to Dallas-Fort Worth and Chicago in 2021

(Fairbanks, Alaska) - Fairbanks International Airport (FAI) is pleased to announce American Airlines daily seasonal nonstop service, scheduled to begin next summer. American Airlines will join Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines in serving FAI from the lower 48 during summer 2021.

Service to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) will commence on May 6, 2021 and operate through Oct. 6, 2021. The daily flights will depart FAI at 8:40 p.m. and arrive at DFW at 6:00 a.m. Service to Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD) will commence on June 3, 2021 and operate through Oct. 6, 2021. The daily ORD flights will depart FAI at 10:55 p.m. and arrive at ORD at 7:55 a.m.

“Air service development has always been a priority at FAI, but even more so now as we work on rebuilding the nonstop connectivity lost due to the global pandemic. We are proud to welcome American Airlines for their first ever tourism season in Fairbanks. We are fortunate to have the support and partnership of so many groups throughout our community, and we look forward to adding Dallas and Chicago to FAI’s 2021 route map,” said Angie Spear, FAI Airport Manager. “Fairbanks has always marketed itself as a place to embrace the natural world. There is no better time than 2021 to explore the vast expanse of Alaska, the most exotic landscape in the United States.”

“As customers look forward to taking to the skies next summer, exploring Alaska’s natural beauty is high on their lists,” said Brian Znotins, American’s Vice President of Network and Schedule Planning. “American is excited to add seasonal nonstop service to Fairbanks from our DFW and ORD hubs in direct response to customer demand. These new routes complement our new and existing service to Anchorage (ANC) from DFW, ORD and PHX."

Fairbanks is the closest international airport and gateway to the Denali National Park and Preserve where you can see the highest mountain in North America. American Airlines’ new summer service is the perfect time for visitors planning to take advantage of Fairbanks’ two seasons – the aurora season (August 21-April 21) with the magical northern light displays, and the midnight sun season (April 22 – August 20) when you can experience 24 hours of daylight.

We look forward to welcoming American Airlines in the upcoming summer tourism season,” said Deb Hickok, president and CEO of Explore Fairbanks. “These new American schedules, combined with our existing service, show a demonstrable confidence in the post-pandemic travel opportunities ahead for both visitors and residents.”

Flights are available for purchase now at www.aa.com.

For more information regarding the Alaska Travel Protocols, visit dot.alaska.gov/faiiap.

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About Fairbanks International Airport

Fairbanks International Airport is the gateway to Alaska’s interior and Denali National Park. It represents one-half of the Alaska International Airport System and served more than a million passengers in 2019. We are equipped to handle any size and type of aircraft, anytime, with state-of-the-art landing systems and terminal facilities. Totaling 1,900 jobs, FAI accounts for 1 in 20 jobs in Fairbanks.  

About DOT&PF

The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities oversees 235 airports, 10 ferries serving 35 communities, over 5,600 miles of highway and 731 public facilities throughout the state of Alaska. The mission of the department is to "Keep Alaska Moving through service and infrastructure."

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