United Airlines Launches New Nonstop Service Between Albany and Denver

Albany, NY (April 30, 2026) – Albany International Airport (ALB) today celebrated the launch of United Airlines’ new year-round nonstop service between Albany and Denver International Airport (DEN). The inaugural flight departed ALB Thursday morning at 8:00 AM from the airport’s newly renovated Concourse A.
 

Passengers on the inaugural flight were greeted with a small celebration in the gate area before departure, including decorations and a balloon arch to mark the occasion. As the aircraft taxied toward the runway, the Albany International Airport Fire Department honored the first flight with a water cannon salute.
 

The new route operates once daily on a Boeing 737-800, further strengthening Albany’s direct air service and improving access to destinations across the western United States.
 

Denver is one of the nation’s most important airline hubs and serves as a key gateway to the Mountain West and West Coast. United’s new nonstop service builds on ALB’s existing Denver connectivity, giving Capital Region travelers more options and flexibility when traveling west.
 

The launch also comes as ALB continues the final phase of its Concourse A Revitalization Project, a $13.36 million investment to modernize the airport’s oldest concourse, which is primarily used by United Airlines. All six gates in Concourse A have now been fully renovated, with remaining work on the concourse’s restrooms and entry corridor expected to be completed in May. Of the project’s total cost, $10.6 million was provided through a federal grant from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Senator Schumer helped secure. 
 

“Albany, prepare for takeoff because a new daily flight to Denver, a key hub to the West Coast, is landing at Albany International Airport! With critical chip research and manufacturing happening at Albany NanoTech and across the Capital Region, this new flight is key to improving access from the Capital Region to the West Coast and boosting our economy,” said U.S. Senator Charles Schumer. “This new flight will utilize the recently upgraded Concourse A, which was revitalized thanks in part to my Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law. I look forward to continuing to work with United Airlines and the incredible team at Albany International Airport to help Albany and the Capital Region reach new heights.” 
 

“Today’s inaugural flight to Denver is an exciting milestone for Albany International Airport and for travelers across the Capital Region,” said Peter Stuto, Chief Executive Officer of Albany International Airport. “This new year-round route strengthens our connection to the western United States and gives our passengers more convenient access to destinations across the country. We are proud to celebrate this launch from our newly renovated Concourse A and grateful to United Airlines for its continued partnership and confidence in this market.”
 

United currently offers nonstop service from Albany to Chicago O’Hare (ORD) and Washington Dulles (IAD). The addition of Denver further expands United’s network at ALB and reinforces the airport’s role as a growing gateway for both business and leisure travel.
 

“This is an exciting day, we’re thrilled to expand our presence in Albany and provide the community with direct service between Albany and Denver,” said Kevin Keado, Managing Director, Regional Line Stations at United Airlines. “From family vacations, business trips and all the moments in between – this new route makes it easier for our customers in Albany to travel wherever they want to go. Whether that’s to United’s hubs in Denver, Chicago, Washington D.C., to one of the hundreds of destinations that is easily accessible across the U.S. or around the world with convenient one-stop connections from these hubs.”
 

The new year-round service reflects sustained demand for westbound travel and further strengthens Albany’s long-term connectivity to the western United States.
 

The launch follows a record-setting year for Albany International Airport. In 2025, just shy of 3.2 million travelers passed through the terminal, marking the busiest year in the airport’s history and underscoring continued demand for expanded nonstop service and stronger national connectivity.
 

Tickets for United’s Albany-Denver service are available through united.com and the United mobile app. For more information on nonstop destinations and airport services, visit albanyairport.com.