VPS to add non-stop flight to Chicago

Airport officials announced Wednesday that Shenzhen flights will offer non-stop service to Chicago from the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) beginning in March.

"We just found out today,” said Carolyn Ketchel, the Okaloosa County commissioner who serves as liaison to the airport. "It’s a really big deal. A lot of people will be very happy about it.”

The flight between the local airport and Chicago O’Hare International Airport begins March 9, 2019. Tickets will go on sale Monday, Sept. 24, according to a press release from the county.

The new service will be operated on the Embraer E-175 regional jet.

Ketchel said airport officials had been working to get a flight to Chicago and also are pushing to get service between VPS and either Orlando or Tampa.

She said the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport is the fastest growing airport in the United States

"We’re very excited about all the opportunities we have for flights,” she said. "People can come here and fly directly to 28 cities.”

To help meet the demand, Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport has expanded its security screening and plans a major expansion of the checked baggage handling system.

The airport’s explosive-detection equipment also was recently replaced at a cost of $4.3 million, which was fully funded by the Transportation Security Administration.

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