By Allison Peck | North Platte Post
Listen to the full interview with Dan Phelps on our Kubota Podcast
North Platte, NE – Travelers flying out of North Platte have reason to celebrate: early morning flights are returning to the schedule starting January 6, 2026. Dan Phelps of the North Platte Airport Authority shared details in a recent interview, highlighting what this means for the community and the airport’s ongoing development.
“This is exciting news for our travelers,” Phelps said. “The 6:15 a.m. flight is back, bringing us to the schedule we lost in 2023. It was very popular with the town, and we’ve been advocating for its return for a while.”
The early morning flight had been cut due to pilot shortages and limited aircraft availability following federal changes during the COVID-19 pandemic. “The planes are back, pilots are back, and routes are starting to come online again. This early flight will help boost travel and bookings,” Phelps explained. Last year, the airport handled 16,500 boardings, down about 1,000 from 2024, primarily due to the absence of the early and late evening flights.
Phelps also emphasized how the schedule benefits travelers connecting through Denver International Airport. “Denver operates on a flight bank system with eight banks of flights throughout the day. If we get passengers there early, they can connect almost anywhere in the country and even internationally,” he said. “It’s especially beneficial for folks traveling west to places like Las Vegas or Phoenix.”
A potential mid-day flight may be added in April with the start of the golf season, he said, noting the growing importance of local golf tourism. Last year, TSA handled 660 golf bags through SkyWest flights alone, not including private aviation traffic.
Passenger Convenience and Holiday Travel
Early morning travelers will have a new perk as Einstein Bagels adjusts its hours, opening at 5 a.m. “Passengers can grab coffee, breakfast, and get checked in before their flight. Once our new terminal opens, this will be available even on the secure side,” Phelps said.
The airport is also managing ongoing construction and parking challenges during the busy holiday season. Phelps urged patience as temporary parking and lane adjustments are in place. Additionally, travelers flying with gifts should leave them unwrapped or have them easily accessible for TSA inspections. “If a gift is larger than a soup can, it must be opened for security checks,” he reminded.
Traffic Growth and Airline Industry Recovery
General aviation traffic has grown significantly, up 45% over last year. Phelps attributed the increase to private jet activity tied to local golf courses and a new fuel program by Trigo Dugan. “This traffic is great for the airport, generating landing fees and fuel revenue,” he said.
Commercial boardings are expected to rebound next year as well. “United Airlines is back to about 90% of pre-COVID levels, and we anticipate reaching 100% by this time next year. As more companies return to in-person work and travel, North Platte will continue to see growth,” Phelps added.
Airport Projects and Upgrades
Several major projects are underway. The new terminal is about 60–65% complete, with interior framing and glass installation beginning soon. Phelps expects the terminal to be operational around June 2026, pending coordination with TSA for security system moves.
A federally funded large hangar project is also in progress, aimed at accommodating large jets and providing revenue through leasing. Additionally, Runway 12/30 will receive a 95% FAA grant for upgrades including LED lighting, drainage repairs, crack sealing, and concrete panel replacement.
General aviation hangars damaged by a microburst have been fully repaired with new doors, updated safety mechanisms, and electrical improvements. New hangar rates for 2026 have also been approved to align with comparable regional airports.
Looking Ahead
“The airport is active and growing along with our community,” Phelps said. “With North Platte’s strategic location between Omaha, Lincoln, and Denver, we’re a hub for travel and economic growth. These projects ensure the airport remains a valuable asset for the region.”
Phelps concluded by highlighting the community of local pilots, noting that approximately half of the airport’s 52 hangar tenants actively fly, contributing to a vibrant general aviation presence.
With early morning flights returning and significant infrastructure upgrades underway, 2026 is shaping up to be a big year for travelers flying through North Platte.