Medford, Oregon – With a direct connection to Dallas-Fort Worth, Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport has been given a $600,000 government grant, therefore providing a much-needed boost to aviation service. Secured under the Small Community Air Service Development program, the award is projected to draw more American Airlines flights, therefore enabling direct, nonstop service to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and providing real advantages to the Medford community as well as visitors.
Airport Director Amber Judd expressed excitement about the grant’s potential to reshape the region’s travel landscape. Judd believes this money is revolutionary for Medford and the Rogue Valley and that by establishing a direct connection to a big hub like Dallas-Fort Worth, Medford is opening doors to more competitive rates and better opportunities for tourist, business, and personal travel.
Travelers have long complained about Medford’s lack of direct flights to eastern destinations as local costs considerably exceed those in other areas. For example, a flight from Medford to Orlando runs on average $320, more than twice the $138 average from other major airports. Likewise, airfare from Medford to New York average $353, while those from bigger centers average $198.
Restricted nonstop routes help to explain the high prices. Medford visitors will have simpler, more reasonably priced access to the South and beyond with the new DFW connection. By lowering the need for several connecting flights, this can help to cut fares and provide better travel experiences.
Judd explained that this funding lays a strong foundation for competitive pricing. When travelers have options, fares tend to drop. Reducing travel costs will hopefully help Medford to be even more appealing to locals as well as visitors.
Grant funding set to support new route development
Airport authorities claim that the federal grant will be used wisely to draw in and assist the projected DFW route. This covers marketing campaigns, community alliances meant to guarantee the success of the route, and a revenue guarantee for the airline. Strong regional support was demonstrated by Travel Medford, Travel Oregon, the Britt Festival, Dove Media Group, and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival backing of the project.
“We are optimistic that American Airlines will recognize the opportunity to enhance connectivity between our two regions,” Judd said this week. “We look forward to the potential for this valuable new service to benefit travelers and support local economic growth in the near future, and the Airport is committed to working with American Airlines to make this route a reality.”
Airport officials are hopeful even if the award does not bind American Airlines to start the route. American Airlines sent a letter of support during the grant application process, a positive indication that Medford will soon have flights linking to the DFW hub.
The federal grant announcement was widely celebrated among Oregon’s elected officials. Representing the area, U.S. Representative Cliff Bentz posted the news on social media underlining the economic and connectivity advantages of the new path.
“This grant will provide a revenue guarantee and plans to recruit, launch, and support new service between Medford and Dallas. This connection will open new doors for business, tourism, and personal travel in our community,” Bentz wrote on Facebook.
Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley also voiced their support, emphasizing the role regional airports play in Oregon’s connectivity and economy.
“Making sure our regional airports have the support they need to keep Oregonians connected and moving is essential for the local economy,” Wyden said. “I applaud this federal investment to Rogue Valley International Medford Airport, and will continue to fight for more resources for airports and infrastructure upgrades across Oregon.”
Medford airport officials revealed further infrastructure upgrades made possible by $6.41 million in federal money earlier this year, outside the award for air service growth. This money is set aside for the building of new taxiways and extension of existing ones, which should help to improve operational efficiency and lower delays. The improvements fit the long-term strategy of the airport to handle traffic rise and simplify services for arriving and departing flights.
Pete Buttigieg, the U.S. Secretary of Transportation, also backed the airport since his government promised extra security and operational tools required to manage rising traffic. To satisfy the demand expected from the new Dallas-Fort Worth route, Buttigieg said resources will be accessible to support increased TSA personnel and guarantee strong security screening capability.
Medford is expected to draw more tourists, increase the local economy, and enhance its position as a regional air hub with this most recent financial input. For companies and local events depending on easily available travel alternatives, the intended path to Dallas-Fort Worth, one of the biggest and most linked airports in the nation, may be revolutionary.
With this award, Medford will be one step more reachable to a larger population. This not only helps local tourism but also gives residents an opportunity to interact more conveniently with family, friends, and business networks all around.
Together with Medford’s strategic support of nearby companies and tourism organizations, the government financing is laying a great platform for what might be a historic expansion of Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport. Medford locals may soon have easier, more affordable travel choices as direct flights are on their horizon, therefore benefiting Southern Oregon.
