N※N

DBQ Launches $200 Reimbursement Program for Passengers Affected by United Express Termination

  //automotive-transportation.news-articles.net/co .. gers-affected-by-united-express-termination.html
  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Sunday, December 21st 2025 at 4:36 GMT by ABC Kcrg 9

• 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
• 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source

2025-12-21 224 x 224 / 9255 Bytes

2025-12-21 179 x 224 / 11551 Bytes

2025-12-21 251 x 201 / 5995 Bytes

2025-12-21 224 x 224 / 7297 Bytes

Dubuque Regional Airport Offers Reimbursements After Major Air‑Service Changes

On December 20, 2025, the Dubuque Regional Airport (DBQ) announced a comprehensive reimbursement program for passengers affected by the recent discontinuation of its commercial airline service. The change—stemming from the withdrawal of the Essential Air Service (EAS) contract held by United Express (operated by SkyWest Airlines) and the introduction of a new, less‑frequent schedule operated by a different carrier—has left many travelers scrambling for alternative routes and a sudden financial burden. The airport’s new program, designed to ease the inconvenience and support the local economy, will cover up to $200 per ticket for those who can prove they were directly impacted.

The Route Shake‑Up

Dub QuE’s last regular commercial flight was a United Express service to Chicago‑O’Hare (ORD) that departed the airport every weekday at 9:15 am. On November 1, 2025, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced that United Express would terminate its EAS contract at DBQ after the 2025‑26 flight schedule. The decision followed a review of operating costs and passenger demand, and it left the region without a direct link to the largest U.S. hub for the first time in a decade.

In the wake of the contract’s cancellation, the airport’s management team worked closely with the DOT and the federal aviation regulator to secure a new EAS provider. On December 1, 2025, Frontier Airlines, operating under the “Frontier Express” brand, was awarded the contract to provide three round‑trip flights per week to Denver International (DEN) and one daily flight to Chicago‑Midway (MDW). While the new schedule keeps the airport in the EAS program, the frequency and destinations differ markedly from the previous service, and many local residents and small‑business owners have expressed concerns over lost connectivity and travel costs.

The Reimbursement Plan

To compensate passengers who booked flights on the United Express schedule but were unable to travel, DBQ officials announced a $200 reimbursement cap per ticket. The program, launched on December 15, 2025, is available to anyone who purchased a ticket on or after November 1 and had a flight canceled or delayed by at least two hours.

How to Claim
1. Collect Documentation – Passengers must provide the original boarding pass, proof of purchase (credit‑card receipt or e‑ticket confirmation), and a copy of the airline’s cancellation notice.
2. Fill Out the Claim Form – The airport’s website hosts a PDF claim form (see link: https://www.kcrg.com/dbq/reimbursements).
3. Submit By Mail or Email – Completed forms, along with supporting documents, can be mailed to the Dubuque Regional Airport Reimbursement Office or emailed to reimbursements@dbqairport.org.
4. Receive Payment – Approved claims will be paid within 30 days of receipt, either by check or direct deposit.

Claimants must submit their applications no later than March 15, 2026. The airport office has set aside a $200,000 reserve fund to cover the anticipated number of claims, though the exact figure is still being finalized.

Official Reactions

Airport Manager Linda Ortega highlighted the importance of “supporting the community while keeping the airport’s operational integrity.” She noted that the reimbursement program is part of a larger effort to maintain passenger confidence and demonstrate that the airport is responsive to its users.

“We’ve seen the impact of this change firsthand,” Ortega said. “Our goal is to mitigate that disruption and ensure that travel to and from Dubuque remains affordable and accessible.”

County Executive Jim Miller echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that the airport is a critical economic driver. “The airport’s connectivity underpins our local businesses and tourism industry,” he said. “While this transition poses challenges, the reimbursement program is a proactive step toward sustaining our regional economy.”

SkyWest Airlines, represented by spokesperson James Lyle, issued a brief statement: “We are committed to the communities we serve and regret any inconvenience caused by the termination of the EAS contract at DBQ. We remain open to future collaboration and will work with local stakeholders to facilitate a smooth transition.”

Frontier Airlines welcomed the new contract and expressed its intention to enhance the passenger experience. “Frontier’s new schedule will provide additional destination options and competitive fares for Dubuque residents,” the carrier said in a press release. “We look forward to serving the community and supporting the airport’s continued growth.”

Federal Context

The change is rooted in the broader federal Essential Air Service program, which subsidizes flights to small airports that would otherwise lack commercial service. The DOT’s EAS docket for DBQ (see docket link: https://www.transportation.gov/essential-air-service) details the criteria for subsidies and outlines the contractual obligations for airlines.

According to the DOT’s policy documents, airlines are required to maintain a minimum service level and may request adjustments if operational costs outweigh subsidies. In this instance, United Express cited rising fuel costs and reduced passenger load factors as key drivers for termination.

The DOT’s final decision is documented in the FAA’s docket, indicating that the award to Frontier will come with a subsidy of $5.2 million for the 2026–2028 period. The subsidy is calculated based on the average fare per passenger and the expected flight frequency.

Impact on the Community

The loss of a daily flight to Chicago O’Hare has already manifested in several ways. Small‑business owners, such as the proprietor of the local restaurant chain “River Bend Bistro,” have reported increased travel costs for staff and suppliers. “We’re now booking flights out of Omaha or Des Moines, which adds both time and money to our operations,” she said.

For residents with medical appointments or business meetings in Chicago, the change necessitates longer layovers or additional travel legs. Many commuters have turned to rideshare services for the first time, a shift that the airport’s Transportation Services Division noted could have lasting effects on local traffic patterns.

In contrast, some travelers have embraced the new schedule. A frequent flyer with a corporate contract who travels to Denver for meetings said he appreciated the new direct flight option and found the fare competitive. “It’s a win‑win,” he noted. “I’m still flying out of DBQ, and the new service gives me more flexibility.”

Looking Forward

Dub QuE’s officials emphasize that the airport remains dedicated to monitoring the new service’s performance and working closely with Frontier to ensure passenger satisfaction. They are also exploring the possibility of expanding flight frequency or adding new destinations based on demand.

The DOT has indicated that the EAS program is open to reevaluating contracts every three years, meaning that the status quo could change again in 2029. As such, both the airport and local businesses will be keeping a close eye on future developments.

In the meantime, the reimbursement program stands as a tangible reminder that the Dubuque Regional Airport is committed to its community, even amid the inevitable shifts of the aviation industry. The program not only helps travelers recover immediate losses but also signals a broader effort to maintain connectivity, support local commerce, and keep the region aligned with national travel networks.