PLATTSBURGH — Plattsburgh International Airport’s Contour Airlines will launch its non-stop service to Washington D.C.’s Dulles International Airport May 1.

The airline said they will operate daily flights to Dulles utilizing a 30-seat Embraer ERJ-135 aircraft, which boasts all leather seating with expanded legroom, complimentary snacks and beverages, as well as a free checked bag included with every fare.

“We are excited to connect Plattsburgh and the entire Lake Placid region with a non-stop flight to Washington-Dulles,” President of Contour Airlines, Ben Munson, said.

“In addition to easier access to Washington, D.C. and the surrounding areas, passengers can connect to over 100 destinations with easy and seamless connections on United Airlines.”

Dulles International Airport (IAD) offers passengers an extensive hub experience, facilitating global connectivity through Contour’s interline partner, United Airlines.

The United connection means passengers will be able to book on united.com, get their bags transferred to United flights, check in on united.com and get their boarding passes for both.

Flights between Plattsburgh International Airport and Dulles International Airport will operate on the following schedule:

Daily flights (Monday through Sunday)

— PBG to IAD departure at 8:55 a.m. with an arrival time of 10:35 a.m.

— IAD to PBG departure at 12:35 p.m. with an arrival time of 2:15 p.m.

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday

— PBG to IAD departure at 2:45 p.m. with an arrival time of 4:25 p.m.

— IAD to PBG departure at 5:45 p.m. with an arrival time of 7:25 p.m.

To commemorate the new route, Contour is offering an introductory fare starting at $94 each way.

“The return of nonstop service between Plattsburgh and Washington Dulles is a significant milestone for our region, reinstating a route that has previously proven to be successful and highly valued by travelers,” Clinton County Airport Committee Chairperson, Robert Hall (D-Area 10, Plattsburgh) said.

“This enhanced connectivity offers residents and businesses seamless access to our nation’s capital and beyond, with the added benefit of easy connections through United Airlines at Dulles International Airport. Plattsburgh International Airport continues to serve as a critical gateway for the North Country, and we are grateful to Contour Airlines for recognizing the demand and investing in our community. This service will undoubtedly strengthen economic and travel opportunities for our region.”

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Philly service

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Until the flights to Dulles take effect in May, Contour will continue its regular service to Philadelphia International Airport.

Since July of 2022, Contour has been operating at PBG through the federal Essential Air Service program that helps connect smaller airports to larger markets through federal subsidies, offering 12 weekly trips to Philadelphia on a 30-passenger jet with two round trips available five days a week.

The airline operates under the Alternate EAS part of the program, which gives communities more flexibility and creativity in working with a carrier to provide the service.

Following the Clinton County Legislature’s recommendation over the summer, the U.S. Department of Transportation awarded Contour Airlines with the Alternate EAS contract for PBG once again from Oct. 1, 2024 to Sept. 30, 2027. The expectation all along was that Contour would eventually make the switch from Philadelphia flights to Washington D.C. in 2025.

Airport Director Chris Kreig told the Press-Republican last year that he is expecting the Dulles flights to be utilized more than the Philadelphia trips.

He said when SkyWest flew out of PBG to Dulles years ago, it had the highest passenger traffic out of any of the previous Essential Air Service carriers.

“Because you had connections, you had the ability to connect, and Washington, it was a desirable (destination) based on the research we did,” he said.

“It was one of the top destinations for people in this market.”

President of the North Country Chamber of Commerce, Garry Douglas, shared his optimism that the Dulles flights will again be well received among the community.

“The North Country business community had really embraced the Dulles service when we had it and will welcome it back,” he said.

“It will also be a more powerful connection for incoming tourists and athletes headed for the Adirondacks, and a stronger draw for our many Canadian friends. We thank Contour and the county for making this happen. Onward and upward!”