SkyWest Airlines will begin operating as United Express between Canyonlands Regional Airport (CNY) in Moab, Utah, and Denver International Airport (DEN) on October 7, 2026, under a new four-year Essential Air Service contract awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation. The year-round service will run one or two daily roundtrip flights using 50-seat Bombardier CRJ200 regional jets.
According to the Moab Office of Tourism's press release, the inaugural Denver departure is scheduled to leave DEN at 8:00 a.m., arriving Moab at 9:30 a.m., with the return departing CNY at 10:10 a.m. and landing in Denver at 11:35 a.m.
SkyWest replaces Contour Airlines, which previously operated the Moab–Denver route using 30-seat turboprops, with the new service offering more seats and access to United's full booking system, frequent-flyer earnings and rebooking protections. "Having direct access to Denver and Salt Lake City, along with the ability to connect on United's and Delta's global networks, makes it easy and convenient for local travelers to get anywhere they want to go," said Cody Thomas, Managing Director of Market Development at SkyWest Airlines.
Denver is a critical hub for onward connections across the western United States. Canyonlands Regional Airport also serves as the closest commercial airport to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.
Aviation Week confirmed the October 7 United Express launch in its weekly route updates.
Sources
- Moab Office of Tourism / PR Newswire — Moab Air Service Adds New Service to Denver and Salt Lake City
- Aviation Week — Routes & Networks Rolling Updates, W/C October 5, 2026
- Moab Sun News — SkyWest wins federal air service contract
Sources & references (4)
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