Holien: Loss of SkyWest Airlines in Watertown not entirely unexpected (Audio)

October 29, 2021
Mike Tanner

WATERTOWN, S.D.–Although city officials in Watertown were disappointed to hear SkyWest Airlines is dropping service to Watertown early next year, the move was not entirely unexpected.

Mayor Ried Holien says when the U.S. Department of Transportation announced they would not re-bid the Essential Air Service contract for Watertown that was awarded to Denver Air Connection, the writing was on the wall for SkyWest…

And backing out is exactly what SkyWest is doing. They’re reducing their flight schedule in December, and ending flights in Watertown entirely on January 4th.

Holien sees a silver lining in all of this….

He says Watertown has been, and will continue to be served well by Denver Air Connection…

SkyWest is also dropping service to Pierre in early January.