RAPID CITY, S.D. – Rapid City Regional Airport and American Airlines have announced the return of daily nonstop service between Rapid City and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport beginning June 4, 2026.
The seasonal route is scheduled to run through Oct. 4, 2026. The service will be operated by an Embraer 175 aircraft, which typically features a two-cabin configuration. This connection is intended to strengthen access to one of the largest origin and destination markets for Rapid City, supporting both leisure and business travel during the peak summer and early autumn months.
Expanded air service is a critical driver of economic growth for our destination, Ally Formanek, CEO of Visit Rapid City, said. This nonstop flight service makes travel to and from Rapid City more convenient for residents and visitors, while strengthening our tourism economy, supporting business development and positioning Rapid City as the premier gateway to the Black Hills.
The addition is part of a broader 2026 domestic expansion by American Airlines, which includes 15 new routes across its network. The airline is focusing on connecting regional gateways to major hubs to meet summer travel demand.
American is proud to offer unmatched connectivity across the United States, Brian Znotins, American’s Senior Vice President of Network and Schedule Planning, said. Today, we’re furthering our commitment with new routes designed to help customers realize their travel goals in 2026 from important hubs such as Chicago and Phoenix.
American Airlines currently provides year-round nonstop service from Rapid City to Dallas-Fort Worth. The carrier also offers seasonal service to Chicago O’Hare and Charlotte Douglas. These hub connections allow passengers from South Dakota to access the airline’s broader domestic and international network with a single stop.
Rapid City Regional Airport Executive Director Patrick Dame noted that the return of the Phoenix flight will provide a significant boost to the region’s connectivity. Phoenix Sky Harbor serves as a major western hub for American Airlines, offering transfers to destinations across the West Coast, Mexico and Hawaii.
American Airlines operates thousands of daily flights to more than 350 destinations worldwide. As a founding member of the oneworld alliance, the carrier provides access to a global network of more than 900 destinations. Tickets for the new Phoenix to Rapid City route are expected to be available through the airline’s website and booking channels.
