Southern Illinois airport considers bid for Chicago flights

Southern Illinois' regional airport in Marion is considering three proposals for a new passenger service contract, and they're seeking input on where customers want the flights to go.

The proposals have been shared with Veterans Airport from Contour Airlines, Southern Airways Express and Cape Air.

Contour's bid offers flights to Chicago, or a flight to Chicago and Nashville, based upon what the airport would prefer. Flights would be to O'Hare Airport in a 30-seat regional jet product.

Southern Airways Express proposes flights to St. Louis in a 9-seat aircraft, and also a flight to Chicago on a 30-seat plane.

Cape Air would continue its current air service to St. Louis and Nashville, or an option of just St. Louis flights, with the same current aircraft.

City leaders in Marion and Carbondale have said flights to Chicago would be a boost for tourism for southern Illinois.

You can see the proposals in detail and weigh in with your preference at this link.