South Arkansas Regional Airport in El Dorado is now offering direct flights through SeaPort Airlines to Houston in a move that replaces the existing Dallas direct-flight option.
Airport Manager Tim Johnson said El Dorado, home to oil industry operations with offices in Houston, could benefit from a potential increase in corporate travel with the new direct flight option.
Previously, travelers could fly directly to Dallas Love Field Airport from El Dorado. The change allows flyers to Texas to land at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston.
The first flights from El Dorado to Houston started Monday, Johnson said.
He noted that market demand and "significant gate hindrances" at Dallas were behind SeaPort Airlines' decision to change destinations.
"The competitive environment caused a lot of delays with the lack of gates," Johnson said.
According to the SeaPort Airlines website, a direct flight from El Dorado to Houston takes about 1 hour and 50 minutes.
The south Arkansas airport also offers daily flights via SeaPort Airlines to Hot Springs and Memphis, according to its website.