Three airlines show interest in Barkley Airport; Rouleau encourages survey participation

Barkley Regional Airport Executive Director Dennis Rouleau provided an update Monday on the airport's search for an airline to replace SkyWest.

In March, SkyWest Airlines announced its intention to terminate service to 29 airports across the U.S., including Barkley Regional Airport, due to pilot shortages.

Rouleau said three airlines have submitted a response, including Boutique Air, Southern Air Express, and Contour Airlines.

Boutique and Southern Air Express would offer flights to Nashville. Southern would additionally provide flights to Chicago. Contour would provide flights to Charlotte.

Rouleau said he's not concerned with SkyWest's departure and believes they will find an airline that best suits their needs and vision to grow beyond one destination.

"If you look at all the airports that are surrounding Nashville, they all have multiple airlines. There's no reason we can't have more flights, it's just a matter of finding a successful airline and building from there," Rouleau said.

Rouleau encouraged the public to fill out the airport's air service survey.

The survey gauges how the public chooses an airline, why people might choose a drive to Nashville rather than flying out of Barkley Regional Airport, and future preferences for routes.

The survey will remain active until 5 pm, and any data collected will guide the airport's strategies and conversations with commercial air carriers related to passenger service.

You can fill out the survey by clicking here.