MONROE, Louisiana (February 19, 2026) – Grow NELA today announced that American Airlines will add a new mid-morning flight between Monroe Regional Airport (MLU) and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). The new flight begins Tuesday, April 7, 2026, and is available today to book online at aa.com or through American’s mobile app. The additional frequency strengthens air service options for Northeast Louisiana and enhances the region’s connectivity to national and global markets.
Grow NELA partnered with Louisiana Economic Development (LED), the City of Monroe, and regional partners, to support the expansion of air service at Monroe Regional Airport. The new flight reflects a shared commitment to strengthening Northeast Louisiana’s infrastructure and ensuring the region remains competitive in attracting and retaining businesses and workforce talent.
“This is a significant win for Northeast Louisiana,” said Brookley Barnes, Director of Economic Development for Grow NELA.
The new mid-morning MLU–DFW flight builds on growing demand for reliable air access and supports continued economic growth across the region. With improved connectivity to American’s largest hub, the added service provides greater flexibility for business travelers, workforce mobility, and residents accessing destinations across the country.
“We know travelers are looking to see the world and our additional service from Monroe Regional Airport to our DFW hub will do that better than any other airline,” said Jordan Pack, American’s Director of Domestic Network Planning. “We fly more than 930 peak daily flights to more than 230 destinations nonstop from DFW, putting the world within easier reach from Northeast Louisiana. We thank the community for working with us and we look forward to welcoming customers on board our additional flight.”
Local and state leaders emphasized the importance of expanded air service in supporting Monroe’s long-term growth and competitiveness.
Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois added, “Louisiana is focused on bringing solutions that strengthen our competitive position, and expanded air service is a clear example of that approach. “When regional partners identify a need, we work together to address it, ensuring businesses have the connectivity and infrastructure required to grow. Investments like this enhance Northeast Louisiana’s access to national and global markets and reinforce our commitment to competing and delivering at the highest level.”
About Grow NELA
Grow NELA is the regional economic development authority representing a 10-parish region in Northeast Louisiana. Grow NELA is a non-profit, investor-governed, economic development organization that accelerates regional opportunities that create new and better jobs, expands the tax base, and generates more wealth for nearly 300,000 people throughout Northeast Louisiana. Grow NELA provides economic development leadership in the parishes of: Caldwell, East Carroll, Franklin, Madison, Morehouse, Ouachita, Richland, Tensas, Union and West Carroll. For more information, visit www.GrowNELA.com.