MONROE, La. — February 20, 2026 — Grow NELA announced that American Airlines will introduce a new mid-morning flight connecting Monroe Regional Airport (MLU) with Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), expanding air service options and strengthening Northeast Louisiana’s access to national and global markets.
The new daily flight will begin April 7, 2026, and is now available for booking through aa.com and American Airlines’ mobile app. The added frequency enhances regional connectivity, providing greater flexibility for business travelers, workforce mobility, and residents traveling throughout the airline’s global network.
The expanded service is the result of a collaborative effort between Grow NELA, Louisiana Economic Development (LED), the City of Monroe, and regional partners focused on improving critical infrastructure and supporting long-term economic competitiveness.
“This is a significant win for Northeast Louisiana,” said Brookley Barnes, Director of Economic Development for Grow NELA. “Expanded air service strengthens our ability to attract and retain businesses while improving quality of life for residents and workforce talent across the region.”
Expanding Access to Global Markets
The new mid-morning MLU–DFW route builds on increasing demand for reliable air access in Northeast Louisiana. With direct connectivity to American Airlines’ largest hub, travelers will gain expanded access to hundreds of domestic and international destinations.
“We know travelers are looking to see the world, and our additional service from Monroe Regional Airport to our DFW hub will make that easier than ever,” said Jordan Pack, American Airlines’ Director of Domestic Network Planning. “We operate more than 930 peak daily flights to over 230 nonstop destinations from DFW, putting the world within easier reach from Northeast Louisiana. We thank the community for its partnership and look forward to welcoming customers onboard.”
Supporting Regional Growth and Competitiveness
State leaders emphasized the role expanded air service plays in supporting economic development and business growth.
“Louisiana is focused on delivering solutions that strengthen our competitive position, and expanded air service is a clear example,” said Susan B. Bourgeois, Secretary of Louisiana Economic Development. “When regional partners identify a need, we work together to ensure businesses have the connectivity and infrastructure required to grow. Investments like this expand Northeast Louisiana’s access to national and global markets and reinforce our commitment to competing at the highest level.”
Improved connectivity through Monroe Regional Airport is expected to support corporate travel, site selection activity, and regional business expansion while enhancing overall accessibility for the 10-parish Northeast Louisiana region.
About Grow NELA
Grow NELA is the regional economic development organization representing a 10-parish area in Northeast Louisiana. The nonprofit, investor-governed organization works to accelerate opportunities that create quality jobs, expand the tax base, and generate long-term economic growth for nearly 300,000 residents across Caldwell, East Carroll, Franklin, Madison, Morehouse, Ouachita, Richland, Tensas, Union, and West Carroll parishes.
Learn more at www.GrowNELA.com.
