Quincy Airport Eyes New Routes

QUINCY — Travelers heading into the Twin Pikes and West Central Illinois region could soon have another air travel option beyond Chicago, as officials at Quincy Regional Airport weigh whether adding service to Nashville might better serve visitors and residents alike.

Currently, Contour Airlines operates 12 weekly flights between Quincy Regional Airport and Chicago O’Hare, making Chicago the region’s sole commercial air link. That could change under a proposal now under review by the Quincy Aeronautics Committee, which would shift five of those flights to Nashville, Tennessee. If approved, Chicago service would drop to four flights per week while opening a new direct connection to one of the Midwest and South’s fastest-growing travel markets.

Airport officials say the discussion is being driven largely by congestion at O’Hare, where gate availability has increasingly caused delays for Quincy passengers. Airport

Director Bill Lantz told the committee that planned increases in flights by major carriers at Chicago will likely intensify those problems, since Contour relies on shared gates through American Airlines. While delays have not typically resulted in cancellations, Lantz said they have become frequent enough to prompt a re-evaluation of long-term strategy.

From a regional tourism and access standpoint, Nashville presents a different opportunity. In addition to being a major leisure destination itself, Nashville International Airport offers connections across the Southeast and beyond, potentially making travel into the Quincy area more attractive for visitors coming from southern and eastern markets. Local leaders say that could complement existing tourism efforts tied to river recreation, history, and regional events.

Rather than acting immediately, the Aeronautics Committee has opted to seek public input before making a decision. A town hall meeting is expected later this month, giving residents and frequent travelers a chance to weigh the value of consistent access to a major hub like Chicago against the possibility of fewer delays and expanded travel options through Nashville. A specific date for that meeting will be announced soon.

If approved, the change would mark a notable shift in how travelers reach the region — and how the region connects to the rest of the country — adding another option for those planning trips into Quincy and the surrounding area.