From the plains to the runway: Salina, Kansas connects to Houston, world

A small Kansas airport just landed a big win — and its daily flight to Houston proves Space City is more than a connection point.

May 8, 2025

The mission of Houston Airports is to connect the people, businesses, cultures and economies of the world to Houston. But this time, the story starts in Salina, Kansas— and ends with a warm welcome in Space City.

On May 2, the first-ever daily nonstop flight from Salina Regional Airport (SLN) to George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) took off, officially making the Kansas city the only Essential Air Service airport in the U.S. with direct service to three United hubs: Denver, Chicago and now Houston.

Part of a federal program designed to ensure small communities stay connected to the national air network, EAS airports like Salina receive subsidized flights to larger hubs, and this new route opens the door to a world of possibility.

The milestone opens up new global opportunities for Salina’s travelers, especially those looking to reach Latin America. From IAH, passengers can now easily connect to destinations in Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean and major U.S. cities like Orlando — a fact not lost on families already eyeing summer vacations to Disney World or Universal Studios.

“It’s exciting—not only for Salina, but also for Houston,” said United Airlines Regional Manager Todd Hamburg. “We love getting new routes. This is a great opportunity to connect travelers across the Americas.”

But this wasn’t just a flight—it was a relationship years in the making.

According to the Salina Journal, interest in Houston emerged nearly a decade ago through passenger surveys that named it the most-requested destination. Oil and gas connections and companies like Schwan’s, which has business ties in Houston, helped make the case.

Salina Airport Authority Executive Director Pieter Miller said conversations began in earnest in 2019 but were delayed by the pandemic. The turning point came when 1 Vision Aviation moved a maintenance facility to Salina, enabling overnight aircraft rotations — a key requirement for SkyWest Airlines, which operates the flights as United Express using CRJ-200 jets. Now, a new chapter has taken flight.

When Miller and his team landed at IAH on launch day, Houston Airports customer service representatives met them at the gate with swag bags, warm smiles and a guided tour of the terminal.

Representatives from the Salina Regional Airport toured IAH on May 2, 2025.

“We proudly expressed our commitment to excellence,” said Sherrill-Ann Clarke, IAH operations supervisor for customer service at Houston Airports. “As we walked through the airport, they were impressed by our "World's Best Airport Art" program. We shared with them our commitment to making our airports accessible to all through our participation in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard program and maintenance of companion care restrooms, Mother's and Sensory rooms, with which they were very impressed."

That experience included a walk-through of IAH’s award-winning Harmony in the Air performing arts program. "As we concluded the tour, they expressed feeling like they had received a genuine passenger experience at IAH," said Clarke. "We emphasized that Houston Airports is dedicated to ensuring that all passengers have positive and memorable experiences throughout their time in our airports; we also shared our understanding that travel can sometimes be stressful, and that our goal is to create a welcoming environment that enhances each step of their journey."

As Houston strengthens its position as a global gateway, stories like Salina’s offer a fresh reminder: while we’re proud to connect the world, we’re just as proud to be the destination for travelers from places that have long waited to come here.

“We want every passenger to feel welcomed, respected and supported,” said Andrew Czobor, assistant director of IAH customer service and guest experience for Houston Airports. “That’s not just a mission — it’s our culture.”

“This flight isn’t just a convenience,” Czobor added. “It’s an invitation. And in Houston, we believe every traveler deserves a memorable experience from the moment they land.”

Launch day details first reported by KSAL.