Twin Cities travelers have two more reasons to book their next trip. Delta Air Lines has officially announced it will resume nonstop service from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) to two regional destinations that haven’t seen Delta flights in over a decade: Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE) in Colorado and Watertown Regional Airport (ATY) in South Dakota.
Vail, Colorado Route Returns for Winter Travelers
Ski and snowboard lovers, this one’s for you. The seasonal route to Eagle County, just minutes from iconic ski resorts like Beaver Creek and Vail Mountain, will operate daily from December 20, 2025, through January 5, 2026. It’s been over 10 years since Delta last flew this route — 2014, to be exact. The reinstated route offers a convenient escape to one of the country's most popular alpine destinations, perfect for holiday getaways.
Year-Round Flights to Watertown, South Dakota
Beginning August 1, 2025, Delta will also restart year-round service to Watertown, South Dakota, through its regional partner, SkyWest Airlines. The small city is a four-hour drive from the Twin Cities and also connects travelers to Denver and Chicago. This route hasn’t operated since 2012 and offers residents and visitors a smoother alternative to long drives or multiple connections.
Competitive Advantage for Delta
Interestingly, Delta currently has no competition on either of these reinstated routes from MSP, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium. That makes the airline the only option for direct flights from the Twin Cities to these two niche markets.
Changes on the Horizon
While these additions are welcome, Delta is also planning to cut service to several other cities this fall, including Albuquerque (NM), Buffalo (NY), Fairbanks (AK), and Great Falls (MT). However, a new daily route to Westchester County Airport (HPN) in New York will launch later this year, expanding options for East Coast travelers.
Whether you’re hitting the slopes or heading home to South Dakota, these updated Delta routes could be your new go-to options out of MSP.
