OGDENSBURG – Ogdensburg and Massena airports will likely begin offering flights to Washington D.C. and Chicago in April.

SkyWest Airlines has been awarded the Essential Air Service subsidy for Massena and Ogdensburg.

At each community, SkyWest will provide 12 round trips per week to Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), for a combined total annual subsidy of $5,997,626 ($2,998,813 for each community).

The airline will use Canadair Regional Jet CRJ200, which have 50-passenger seating. The average ticket price has been estimated at $101.

"The addition of SkyWest/United Express to Ogdensburg International Airport will be a great opportunity for the regional air traveler. The Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority would like to thank Congresswoman Stefanik along with Senators Schumer and Gillibrand, and the USDOT for their hard work and dedication in support of North Country air travel," OBPA Director Wade Davis said.

Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority advocated for the SkyWest selection, as did local colleges, some businesses and a Fort Drum Advocacy Group.

However, Massena Town Council had hoped the subsidy would continue to flow to Boutique Air, which currently provides flights to Boston.

In a release issued after the announcment Congresswoman Elise Stefanik said she was pleased with the decision.

“The U.S. Department of Transportation’s decision to award SkyWest Airlines EAS funds is a huge win for the North Country,” said Congresswoman Stefanik. “Not only will the communities of Massena and Ogdensburg have more travel options, but these added flights will attract more tourists to our region, which will in turn bolster economic development in the region. My office diligently advocated for this award, and I’m thrilled to see it has come to fruition.”

The topic spurred debate throughout the county, but Federal Department of Transportation, which awards the subsidy had the final say on the matter.