Flights between Lincoln and Houston to end in May

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — United Airlines announced Thursday that it is ending flights between Lincoln and Houston.

The change will take effect on May 23.

But the airline said it plans to add more flights to and from Denver and Chicago.

SEE ALSO: Lincoln Airport working nonstop to keep runway and taxiway clear of snow

Direct service between Nebraska’s capital and the nation’s fourth-largest city started in September 2022.

The Lincoln Airport said in a statement that those flights were 85% full in 2023.

“It’s disappointing to learn the airline has decided to discontinue the route, however we are very grateful United Airlines is dedicated to Lincoln by adding in additional flights to Denver and Chicago, which adds capacity to LNK as well as working towards bringing in larger aircraft for our community,” the airport said.

SEE ALSO: Lincoln Airport examines next steps after Red Way failure

The announcement comes in the wake of the collapse of Red Way.

The charter service began offering flights from Lincoln to seven cities in June. It shuttered less than three months later.

Nebraska State Auditor Mike Foley said the airline failed to properly reimburse customers for canceled flights.

SEE ALSO: Red Way customers still wait for refunds as Lincoln Airport Authority gets final payment

Local governments had provided more than $3 million to the startup, which Foley called a “failed riverboat gamble.”

Once the Houston service ends, Denver and Chicago will be the only direct destinations from LNK.