United Airlines resumes service to Butte with daily flights from Denver

One reason for United's return is related to Butte being part of the Essential Air Service program supported by the U.S. Department of Transportation. This program provides subsidies to airlines operating routes that might not be profitable otherwise. Originally, Butte had only one subsidized route to Salt Lake City, but additional funding was recently awarded for another route.

Alongside this development, United has also launched new flights to Morgantown Municipal Airport in West Virginia from its Washington D.C.-area hub starting December 13. These additions are part of a broader expansion strategy by United which includes both international and domestic routes such as Crested Butte, Colorado, and Salt Lake City.

The decision comes as United revisits some markets it withdrew from during the pandemic due to pilot shortages and low demand. As conditions improve and with subsidies available, certain markets are seeing renewed interest from the airline.