Commercial flights from Cape Girardeau directly to Chicago will soon return.

The U.S. Department of Transportation issued an order approving a request made by Contour Airlines to replace Cape Girardeau Regional Airport’s service from the current Nashville, Tennessee, pattern to flights going to Chicago.

The change will take effect Tuesday, Oct. 1. The Cape Girardeau Regional Airport held service to Chicago when it had EAS service through SkyWest Airlines before the company announced it would cease service with the airport in March 2022.

Airport manager Katrina Amos said airport officials are “thrilled” to bring Chicago O’Hare airport back to their passengers.

“We've worked really hard to resume service to Chicago, and it happens at a great time, as we're close to opening our new terminal facility,” Amos said. “That is the perfect opportunity for this to take effect. So we look forward to this change.”

Chicago offers better connectivity for businesses and people who travel for leisure, she said.

Amos said the news that Contour Airlines was requesting to replace the Nashville route with Chicago has been “for the most part” positive. She said the community has been vocal about a preference toward Chicago, but she did point out Nashville has been “great” and has had “great” numbers.

“What Chicago provides is just more options, as well as it opens up the international options a lot more, and I think that's what a lot of our customers are looking forward to is just having more options outside of what is currently offered,” Amos said.

According to Amos, flights to Nashville will conclude Monday, Sept. 30, and tickets from Cape Girardeau are now available at www.contourairlines.com.