GTR Airport Soars to New Heights with Westbound Flight to Dallas

Feature Story 📰

“GTR Airport Soars to New Heights with Westbound Flight to Dallas”

Big news is landing in Starkville and the Golden Triangle region: starting May 5, Golden Triangle Regional (GTR) Airport will offer a direct westbound flight to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)! This exciting addition is the result of a partnership with American Airlines, operated by SkyWest Airlines, and marks a transformative step forward for travel in our region.

For years, passengers flying out of GTR Airport have enjoyed easy access to the east through daily Delta flights to Atlanta. But heading west? That dream has been over a decade in the making. Now, thanks to tireless efforts from community leaders and airport officials, GTR travelers will have a gateway to one of the largest airline hubs in the world. With over 230 nonstop destinations and 900 daily departures from DFW, this connection opens the door to endless travel opportunities—whether for business, leisure, or family visits.

According to Matt Dowell, GTR Airport’s Executive Director, the addition of American Airlines flights to DFW isn’t just about convenience—it’s about creating new opportunities for the entire region. "American Airlines is a powerhouse in the industry, and connecting our community to their expansive network will enhance our ability to serve passengers like never before," Dowell said at the announcement event earlier this week.

A Decade in the Making

This westbound connection didn’t happen overnight. The journey began in 2014 when then-Airport Director Mike Hainsey established a risk abatement fund to help offset potential losses for a future westbound carrier. That fund, which includes contributions from the U.S. Department of Transportation, state grants, and local governments, became the foundation for the partnership with American Airlines.

Local communities rallied together to make the dream a reality. Cities like Starkville, Columbus, and West Point contributed to the fund, recognizing the long-term value this flight would bring to the region. And now, with tickets already available for purchase, the countdown to May 5 is officially on.

Economic and Community Impact

The benefits of this new route extend far beyond the convenience of shorter travel times. Mississippi State University, the Columbus Air Force Base, and local businesses are expected to see significant gains from improved accessibility. MSU Vice President of Research and Economic Development Julie Jordan emphasized the impact on the university, saying, “This new flight will allow us to strengthen relationships with partners across the west and bring new opportunities to our campus.”

The Columbus Air Force Base echoed this sentiment, with Command Chief Master Sgt. Todd Rosenzweig highlighting the importance of proximity. "Having direct access to DFW supports our mission and provides greater ease for our airmen and their families,” Rosenzweig said.

Betsy Young, Vice President for Economic Development at the Golden Triangle Development LINK, added that the westbound flight will be a game-changer for attracting new businesses to the area. "When companies are scouting locations, one of their first questions is about connectivity. This new route will make it easier than ever for them to choose the Golden Triangle," Young said.

A Bright Future Takes Flight

The new daily flight to DFW represents more than just another addition to the GTR schedule—it’s a symbol of progress and collaboration for our community. From the students and researchers at MSU to the brave airmen at Columbus Air Force Base, and from small business owners to visiting families, this westbound connection is set to enhance the quality of life in the Golden Triangle.

So, whether you’re planning your next business trip, a family getaway, or a long-overdue reunion, mark May 5 on your calendar and get ready to head west. Tickets are available now through American Airlines’ website or mobile app.

It’s official—GTR is reaching new heights, and the future of travel in Starkville has never looked brighter! 🛫

MSU Spotlight 🐾

Bulldogs Fall Short Against Tennessee in Top-15 Showdown

In a highly anticipated battle of ranked SEC opponents, Mississippi State (15-4, 3-3 SEC) fell to No. 6/7 Tennessee (17-2, 4-2 SEC) on Tuesday night in Knoxville. Despite a valiant second-half effort, the Bulldogs couldn’t overcome a rough shooting performance in the first half, ultimately dropping the game 68-56 in front of a sold-out crowd at the Food City Center.

Sophomore guard Josh Hubbard led the Bulldogs with 14 points, while junior guard Riley Kugel added 12 and senior forward R.J. Melendez chipped in 10. However, the Volunteers' stifling defense held Mississippi State to just 33.9% shooting from the field and 22.2% in the first half, making it an uphill battle from the start.

Tennessee came out firing, jumping to an 8-0 lead in the opening minutes. Mississippi State struggled to find its rhythm early, hitting just one of its first 13 attempts from the field. The Bulldogs faced a 34-16 deficit at halftime, their lowest-scoring first half of the season.

The second half, however, showcased Mississippi State’s resilience. Coming out of the locker room with renewed energy, the Bulldogs went on a 15-4 run, sparked by back-to-back three-pointers from Hubbard. The surge cut the lead to just seven points with 15:34 remaining, bringing life to Bulldog fans watching back home.

But Tennessee, led by standout guard Chaz Lanier’s game-high 23 points, responded with a run of its own. The Volunteers clamped down defensively, holding Mississippi State without a field goal for over six minutes while building their lead back to double digits. Despite flashes of brilliance from Hubbard and key contributions from Kugel and Melendez, the Bulldogs couldn’t close the gap.

The Bulldogs’ defense showed its strength, forcing Tennessee into extended scoring droughts, but turnovers and missed opportunities on offense proved costly. Mississippi State fought until the final buzzer, but Tennessee’s ability to control the pace and knock down timely three-pointers kept the Bulldogs at bay.

Head coach Chris Jans acknowledged the team’s fight after the game but noted the need for more consistency. "We showed heart and determination in the second half, but you can’t spot a team like Tennessee a double-digit lead and expect to climb out of that hole," Jans said. "We’ll take what we learned tonight and use it to get better moving forward."

This loss marks a bump in the road for Mississippi State, but the Bulldogs remain a force in the SEC. The focus now shifts to their next matchup as they look to bounce back in front of their home crowd. Bulldog fans can be proud of the team’s effort and look forward to seeing how the lessons learned in Knoxville will prepare them for the challenges ahead.

Mississippi State's next opportunity to show out comes Saturday when they return to Humphrey Coliseum to take on Arkansas. With a loud and proud Bulldog crowd behind them, the team will look to regain its momentum and continue its strong season.

Local Highlights 🎉

New Trees Enhance Lynn Lane Trail

Starkville is going greener with the addition of 63 new trees along Lynn Lane, thanks to a partnership between Starkville Utilities and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). The project, funded by a $50,000 grant from TVA’s Community Trees Contribution program, aims to improve the area's natural beauty and provide shade for the popular multi-use trail stretching from Louisville Street to South Montgomery Street.

City Engineer Cody Burnett shared that the initiative is already showing visible progress and will have a lasting impact on the community. The project not only enhances the urban tree canopy but also makes outdoor spaces more enjoyable for residents and visitors.

This effort underscores Starkville’s commitment to creating a greener, more vibrant environment for everyone to enjoy.

Live Music & Events 🎶

Here are the upcoming live music events in Starkville, MS, for January 24-25, 2025:

Friday, January 24, 2025:

• Jax Moore Band with Steele Hollow

  • Venue: Rick's Cafe

  • Time: 8:00 PM

  • Details: Enjoy a night of live music featuring the Jax Moore Band and Steele Hollow.

    Rick's Cafe

Saturday, January 25, 2025:

• Starkville/MSU Symphony Association Gala: "A Gala of Musical Memories"

  • Venue: The Mill Conference Center

  • Time: 6:30 PM – 10:00 PM

  • Details: After a five-year hiatus, the Starkville/MSU Symphony Association Gala returns with an evening of musical memories.

    Starkville

• Neutral Snap with Snake Mirror

  • Venue: Rick's Cafe

  • Time: 8:00 PM

  • Details: Catch performances by Neutral Snap and Snake Mirror for an energetic night of music.

    Rick's Cafe

For more information and ticket purchases, please visit the respective event links.