By Journal Staff

MARQUETTE — Local officials and business leaders gathered at Marquette Sawyer Regional Airport Monday to announce the return of daily direct flights to and from the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.

The flights are slated to begin Jan. 3.

“Marquette Sawyer Regional Airport is a critical economic engine in our county and a major investment for the county to ensure our residents and businesses have access to the outside world,” said Marquette County Administrator Scott Erbisch. “Re-establishing the MQT-MSP route is a result of hard work by many partners and shows the power of persistence and relationships built over many years.”

The Minneapolis-Marquette route was discontinued in 2022 due to industry changes that led to reduced air service nationwide, particularly in rural communities.

“Over the past nine months, the (Lake Superior Community Partnership) has been working with key partners, including the county, airport staff, economic development partners, private sector businesses and others on a multifaceted strategy for enhancing the overall quality of service at Marquette Sawyer Regional Airport,” said LSCP CEO Christopher Germain.

“Expanding service as soon as possible was a key prong of that strategy. We know that convenience is a major factor in the decision on where to fly from. Adding direct access to another major Delta hub and improving the timing of flights to allow same-day travel will drastically improve the convenience of flying out west to meet clients, friends and family. We appreciate that the airlines are supportive of our business case and are able to expand service.”