American Airlines, along with its regional partner American Eagle, is set to operate flights to 356 airports this year. The latest schedule update from Cirium Diio and OAG confirms that Golden Triangle Regional Airport (GTR) in Mississippi will be a new addition to its growing network. This marks a significant development for the region, doubling its airline options and enhancing connectivity.
As the world’s second-largest airline in terms of destinations served, American Airlines is closely trailing United Airlines, which flies to 364 airports. With 2024 just beginning, further route expansions are expected in the coming months.
American Eagle’s New Mississippi Route
Golden Triangle Regional Airport (GTR) is situated near Columbus, Mississippi, a small city with a population of around 24,000, expanding to 58,000 in Lowndes County. The Golden Triangle region includes Columbus, Starkville, and West Point, bringing the total catchment area to over 175,000 people.
Despite its modest size, the area is home to major industries, including Airbus Helicopters and several Fortune 500 companies. A nearby military base also contributes to the demand for air travel. This makes GTR an ideal location for American Eagle’s new service.
Daily Flights from Dallas/Fort Worth to Golden Triangle
Starting May 5, 2024, American Eagle will introduce a daily flight between Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) and Golden Triangle (GTR). The route will be operated by SkyWest Airlines using a 65-seat CRJ700 aircraft.
Flight Schedule
- AA4820 (DFW → GTR): Departs at 11:39 AM | Arrives at 1:11 PM (local time)
- AA4820 (GTR → DFW): Departs at 1:41 PM | Arrives at 3:30 PM
This service will eliminate the need for travelers west of the Mississippi to connect through Atlanta with Delta Connection or drive to nearby airports like Jackson or Birmingham. With this addition, American Airlines will now serve three airports in Mississippi:
- Golden Triangle Regional (GTR)
- Jackson (JAN)
- Gulfport/Biloxi (GPT)
Golden Triangle’s First American Airlines Service in 20 Years
Golden Triangle Regional Airport last had direct flights to Dallas/Fort Worth in 2005, when Delta Connection operated CRJ200 aircraft on the route. This was during the period when Delta maintained a hub at DFW, which has since been discontinued. Now, after nearly two decades, American Airlines is bringing back a direct link between GTR and Dallas/Fort Worth.
This move will enhance connectivity for businesses, residents, and travelers in the Golden Triangle region, providing them with a convenient gateway to American’s extensive domestic and international network via DFW.
New Airports Added to American Airlines’ Network in 2024-2025
American Airlines has expanded its network with 18 new destinations, including five long-haul routes. Notably, 14 of these airports are brand-new additions to the airline’s portfolio, such as Edinburgh, Nice, and Brisbane. Here’s a breakdown of the new destinations by launch month:
New Routes in 2024
- February: Governor’s Harbor (Bahamas), Ocho Rios (Jamaica), Pasco/Tri-Cities (Washington), Tijuana (Mexico)
- March: Tulum (Mexico)
- May: Copenhagen (Denmark), Nice (France)
- June: Hyannis (Massachusetts), Naples (Italy), Veracruz (Mexico)
- October: Brisbane (Australia), Provo (Utah)
- December: La Romana (Dominican Republic)
New Routes in 2025
- February: Carlsbad (California), South Caicos (Caribbean)
- March: Tampico (Mexico)
- May: Golden Triangle (Mississippi), Edinburgh (Scotland)
Among these, Edinburgh is making a comeback after last being served by American Airlines in 2019, further boosting the city’s transatlantic connectivity.
Airports Removed from American Airlines’ Network
While American Airlines is adding several new destinations, it has also discontinued service to 11 airports in recent years. Some of these routes were introduced during the pandemic as temporary solutions and were later phased out. Here’s a list of the airports that are no longer part of American’s network:
Discontinued Airports by Last Service Month
- 2023:
- January: La Paz (Mexico)
- February: Culiacán (Mexico), Long Beach (California)
- March: Paramaribo (Suriname)
- April: Columbus (Georgia), Del Rio (Texas)
- May: Samaná (Dominican Republic), San Andrés Island (Colombia)
- October: Tel Aviv (Israel – suspended)
- 2024:
- October: Pereira (Colombia)
- November: Port-au-Prince (Haiti – suspended)
While some of these routes were removed due to low demand or operational challenges, others, like Tel Aviv and Port-au-Prince, have been suspended rather than permanently canceled.
American Airlines is making significant network expansions in 2024, adding 18 new destinations while discontinuing 11 airports. The addition of Golden Triangle Regional Airport (GTR) in Mississippi marks a major milestone, bringing back DFW service after 20 years.
With three airports now served in Mississippi, American Airlines is enhancing regional connectivity and offering better travel options for businesses and residents. Additionally, new international routes to Copenhagen, Nice, Naples, Brisbane, and Edinburgh further strengthen its global presence.
As the year progresses, more airport additions are expected, further solidifying American Airlines’ position as a leading carrier in the U.S. and worldwide.
