Central Illinois Regional Airport announces new seasonal routes

Image courtesy of the Central Illinois Regional Airport

NORMAL, Ill. — Beginning Feb. 13, the Central Illinois Regional Airport will offer a new seasonal route to Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport in Arizona.

Melissa Beaver, the airport’s manager of marketing and communications and public information officer, explained how the new route will operate, whether ticket prices are expected to rise and a disability awareness program the airport offers.

Allegiant, Delta and American are the three airlines operating out of CIRA. Beaver also provided more details on their destinations, noting that both American and Delta offer daily flights.

Beaver said CIRA is adding a new seasonal route to Phoenix-Mesa, Ariz., with flights arriving and departing on Mondays and Fridays.

With the holiday season approaching, Beaver addressed whether ticket prices might increase during the busier travel months of November and December.

“If you book ahead, you’ll get a better rate than you would if you book last minute,” Beaver said. “I would say the earlier you book, the better.”

Beaver also noted that the airport participates in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program, which helps make travel easier for passengers who need additional accommodations.

“CIRA is signed up with the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program,” Beaver said. “It’s an international program, and it makes airport travel more accessible to everyone. You can get a special lanyard from the airline or from our airport authority office here.”

The seasonal route from CIRA to Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport begins Feb. 13, 2026.