U.S. Travelers Can Now Access Colorado Ski Resorts Easily as American Airlines Revives Charlotte-Eagle County Nonstop Route

Sunday, July 6, 2025

American Airlines is reintroducing nonstop service between Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) and Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE), marking the return of this previously unserved route after a 17-year gap. Starting December 18, 2025, American will operate daily seasonal flights between Charlotte, North Carolina, and Eagle County, Colorado, with service running through January 5, 2026. This revival strengthens American Airlines’ offerings to travelers heading to Colorado’s renowned ski resorts during the peak winter season.

The newly resumed service will be operated with an Airbus A319, providing direct flights between one of the Southeast’s busiest airports and one of Colorado’s major gateways for ski tourists. This route, last served in March 2008 by US Airways before its merger with American Airlines, has been unavailable for nearly two decades, leaving passengers with few options for direct travel to the area. Travelers previously relied on connecting flights or sought alternative airports in the region. American’s decision to reinstate this route highlights its recognition of the growing demand for ski destination travel during the winter months.

The Charlotte-Eagle County route had previously been operated by US Airways using a Boeing 757-200, but the market saw its final service under the airline in 2008. Since then, travelers wanting to reach Eagle County faced the challenge of connecting flights or driving from nearby airports. According to Cirium Diio schedule data, the demand for this route has significantly increased in recent years. As of March 2025, the market was generating an average of 9 passengers per day traveling in each direction (PDEW), up from just 6 PDEW in 2024. This increase in demand is indicative of the growing popularity of Eagle County as a top ski destination for travelers from the Southeast U.S. The average round-trip fare for this route is \$1,088, further emphasizing the premium nature of this market.

American Airlines continues to dominate the Charlotte market, holding a commanding 78% market share. In the Eagle County market, American Airlines currently holds 54% of the share, further reinforcing its position as the primary carrier serving the region. The resumed Charlotte to Eagle County route helps solidify American Airlines’ dominance, especially as competitors like United Airlines look to make inroads in the market. United Airlines has recently launched new service from Washington Dulles (IAD) to Eagle County, and this renewed competition underscores the significance of American’s market leadership in this region.

The return of this route is part of American Airlines’ larger strategy to enhance its winter service offerings to Colorado’s top ski destinations. In addition to the Charlotte route, the airline will operate seasonal flights to Eagle County from major U.S. cities such as Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Chicago (ORD), Miami (MIA), Los Angeles (LAX), Phoenix (PHX), and New York (JFK). Through these seasonal routes, American aims to meet the rising demand for winter leisure travel by providing direct access to some of the most popular ski resorts across the United States.

The Charlotte–Eagle County route provides an important option for travelers from the Southeastern U.S. to access ski destinations more easily. Furthermore, the airline emphasized that passengers traveling from more than 350 global cities can now easily reach Eagle County with just one connection through Charlotte, making it more accessible for international tourists.

The reinstatement of this route is part of American Airlines’ ongoing efforts to expand its holiday offerings and strengthen its position in key winter travel markets. By responding to the increasing demand for ski travel and offering convenient connections, American Airlines is well-positioned to remain the leading carrier in both Charlotte and Eagle County.

Route Information:

• Route: Charlotte Douglas International (CLT) to Eagle County Regional (EGE)
• Aircraft: Airbus A319
• Service Dates: December 18, 2025 – January 5, 2026
• Previously Operated: Last served in March 2008 by US Airways (Boeing 757-200)
• Current Market Status: Unserved

Market Share (March 2025):

• American Airlines: 76%
• United Airlines: 19%
• Delta Air Lines: 3%

American’s decision to reintroduce nonstop flights between Charlotte and Eagle County reflects the airline’s commitment to catering to premium leisure travel demand during the ski season. With a well-established network and substantial market share in both origin and destination points, American Airlines is poised to maintain its leadership position in this competitive market.

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