United adds third daily Denver flight to Helena starting May 22

United Airlines will add a third daily flight between Denver and Helena beginning May 22, increasing late-afternoon connectivity to and from Helena Regional Airport. The flight will arrive from Denver at about 4:45 p.m. and return to Denver International Airport, and the additional service is expected to provide passengers with more scheduling options.

The Helena Regional Airport Authority and the Helena Air Service Alliance announced the new service as part of a push to expand seats and options for travelers. The extra frequency adds roughly 14,000 seats annually between Helena and Denver, which works out to about 38 additional seats per day on average. Airport director Jeff Wadekamper said the added service will provide more connectivity and options for travelers and is expected to perform well given historically strong load factors on existing flights.

Local officials and airport partners framed the frequency increase as a practical boost for business travel, medical trips and tourism. A 4:45 p.m. arrival creates more same-day return possibilities for Helena residents flying through Denver, and it offers greater flexibility for inbound visitors connecting to evening events or onward flights from Denver International Airport. United’s Denver hub also provides connections to national and international routes, making the extra flight significant for Lewis and Clark County firms that rely on air links for clients and suppliers.

The new United flight arrives amid ongoing efforts by local air service planners to restore and expand Helena’s network. Airport leaders said work continues to restore Delta Air Lines service to Minneapolis and to add American Airlines service to Dallas. Discussions are also underway with a low-cost carrier about a potential Phoenix route. Those moves aim to broaden nonstop choices and reduce reliance on single-hub connections.

For travelers, the immediate impact should be more seat availability and potentially greater competition for fares during peak periods. For the local economy, more seats and a later daily arrival can improve access for conferences, specialist medical care and tourism flows that support hotels and restaurants in Helena.

United’s third daily Denver flight is scheduled to start May 22; residents and travelers should monitor schedules and fares as carriers finalize equipment and bookings. The airport and local partners will continue pursuing additional routes that could further widen Helena’s air access in the months ahead.