FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 15, 2021
Contact: Melissa Stepovich, 907-474-2522
Delta Air Lines Adds New Routes, More Flights in Alaska in Summer 2021
(Fairbanks, AK) - Fairbanks International Airport (FAI) is thrilled to announce new and increased service on Delta Air Lines as part of the carrier’s significant expansion in the state this summer season. Delta will offer a new daily nonstop flight to/from Salt Lake City (SLC) beginning May 5. The new service to SLC and the previously summer-seasonal service to Minneapolis/St. Paul (MSP) is expected to extend to year-round to provide customers with access to Delta’s extensive global network. The new SLC daily flight will depart FAI at 12:55am and arrive at SLC at 08:20am.
Delta will also be increasing frequencies on its existing FAI flights to Seattle (SEA) and Minneapolis/St. Paul, adding a third nonstop flight to SEA, and a second nonstop flight to MSP, both beginning on June 19.
Vacationers traveling to and from Alaska will enjoy enhanced customer comfort as all flights to Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau will be operated by larger mainline aircraft like the Boeing 737-900 featuring First Class, Delta Comfort+ and Main Cabin service, more seat-back in-flight entertainment and Wi-Fi available on all flights.
“We are grateful to our partners at Delta Air Lines for this tremendous increase in service that will put Fairbanks on the map of premier easy-to-get-to vacation destinations. Air service development has always been a priority at FAI, but even more so now as we work on rebuilding the nonstop connectivity lost due to the global pandemic. In fact, DL’s newest expansion is projected to increase FAI’s domestic “long-haul” seat capacity by 23% in June-August 2021 compared to the same period in 2019,” said Angie Spear, FAI Airport Manager. “Fairbanks has always marketed itself as a place to embrace the natural world. There is no better time than 2021 to explore the vast expanse of Alaska, the most exotic landscape in the United States.”
“Delta is looking forward to offering more premier outdoor destinations this summer, including more options to travel to the beautiful state of Alaska, as well as providing access to the lower 48 and beyond through seamless and convenient connections over our hubs,” said Joe Esposito, Delta’s S.V.P. – Network Planning. “Our extensive network is bolstered by Delta’s commitment to award-winning hospitality, more seat-back entertainment and as always, the health and safety of everyone on board.”
Fairbanks International Airport boasts itself as the closest and most convenient airport and gateway to the Denali National Park and Preserve where you can see the highest mountain in North America. Delta’s new summer service is the perfect time for visitors planning to take advantage of Fairbanks’ two seasons – the midnight sun season (April 22 – August 20) when you can experience 24 hours of daylight, and the aurora season (August 21-April 21) with the magical northern light displays. Alaska also has one of the highest vaccination rates in the country which allows travelers to book with confidence.
"In this challenging year for the tourism industry, we are heartened by these bold moves by Delta,” said Deb Hickok, president and CEO of Explore Fairbanks. “Along with large and small tour operators, we share Delta’s optimism that travelers are ready to branch out farther to destinations with wide open spaces.” Hickok cited another encouraging decision by Holland America and Princess who will continue offering land-only based tours in Alaska. She added, “We have seen an increase in independent and small group travel especially in March and look forward to this trend expanding in the summer months.” Explore Fairbanks plans to inspire travelers to explore responsibly this summer with a full-court marketing press beginning in April.
Delta Air Lines, Alaska Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, American Airlines, and United Airlines will provide nonstop service from FAI to the lower 48 this summer.
Flights are available for purchase now at www.delta.com.
For more information regarding the Alaska Travel Protocols, visit www.fai.alaska.gov.###
About Fairbanks International Airport
Fairbanks International Airport is the gateway to Alaska’s interior and Denali National Park. It’s one half of the Alaska International Airport System and serves more than a million passengers annually. Equipped to handle any size and type of aircraft, anytime, with state-of-the-art landing systems and terminal facilities. Accounts for 1 in 20 jobs for a total of 1,900 jobs in Fairbanks.
About DOT&PF
The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities oversees 235 airports, 10 ferries serving 35 communities, more than 5,600 miles of highway and 731 public facilities throughout the state of Alaska. The mission of the department is to “Keep Alaska Moving through service and infrastructure”.
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