Massport, Delta Announce New Route at Worcester Regional Airport
Daily flights to LaGuardia Airport will begin this fall
WORCESTER – The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) and Delta Air Lines are pleased to announce the return of Delta service with a new daily, nonstop flight between Worcester Regional Airport (ORH) and New York’s LaGuardia Airport (LGA), starting this November. Delta previously served ORH from Detroit (DTW). The airport is also offering free parking for travelers using ORH through the end of the year.
“When we secured funding for the CAT III system, runway and taxiway improvements, we were preparing the airport for times like these, when airlines are making critical decisions about where to place their aircraft,” said Congressman Jim McGovern. “Today, airlines look at this airport and see the investments made, they know we’re serious about their business, and that this community will support them. Thank you Delta and welcome back.”
From museums and professional sports, to shopping, great food and entertainment, New York City has it all. While visiting New York, you can visit the Statue of Liberty and explore your family’s history at Ellis Island, see some of the nation’s finest art museums, and Broadway returns to the stage this fall.
“We look forward to this new service between Worcester and New York, which will help expand opportunities to further connect Central Massachusetts’ local economy to the global economy,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “Governor Baker and I are pleased with the continued progress made at Worcester Regional Airport to provide residents with multiple flights, and hundreds of destinations just one stop away.”
“We look forward to bringing Delta’s superior customer service back to Worcester, helping customers to reconnect with family, friends or clients, across our global network,” said Charlie Schewe, Delta Air Lines’ Director of Sales - East. “The award-winning hospitality and professionalism of our people will continue to shine through, as we strive to deliver a seamless travel experience every step of the way.”
At LaGuardia, a hub airport for Delta, the airline flies to more than 50 domestic destinations throughout the United States and operates in both Terminals C and D. With its unsurpassed global network, Delta, along with its Connection® carriers and partner airlines, offer service to more than 1,050 destinations in over 150 countries on six continents. Delta is continuing its commitment to being New York’s No. 1 airline, currently building a brand-new, state-of-the-art terminal at LaGuardia, designed around speed and efficiency including a consolidated headhouse with centralized areas for check-in, security, and baggage claim. The terminal will have 37 gates across four concourses, covering 1.3 million square feet.
“We knew coming back from the pandemic would be difficult, but the airlines are returning to Worcester. For Central Massachusetts residents, Worcester Regional Airport should be your starting point for any trip,” said Worcester County Sheriff and Massport Board Chairman Lew Evangelidis. “We are delighted to welcome Delta back and with a new destination. Passengers can use this flight to visit the Big Apple or as a jumping off point to dozens of other destinations.”
“We are excited to welcome Delta back to Worcester Regional Airport, offering travelers a convenient flight to New York with connections to a vast number of destinations,” said Massport CEO Lisa Wieland. “Throughout the pandemic, we made sure the airport would be prepared when the airlines were ready to return.”
This year, ORH celebrates its 75th anniversary. In May 1946, the airport formerly known as Worcester Municipal Airport was approved by the Massachusetts Aeronautics Commission to provide commercial air service. Over the years, the airport on top of Tatnuck Hill has transformed and grown. Since Massport took ownership of the airport in 2010, the Authority has invested more than $100 million in improvements, including in a Category III Instrument Landing System, completed in 2018. Two new jet bridges were installed in 2019, doubling the number to 4. And in 2020, Massport took advantage of the reduced passenger activity to resurface half of the airport’s primary runway and install energy-efficient LED runway signs using FAA funding. These investments will allow ORH to accommodate more flights and serve more passengers in the future.
“New York is a terrific place to connect with business leaders in a multitude of industries. Adding another daily flight out of Worcester adds schedule flexibility for our business community,” said Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Timothy P. Murray. “The Chamber is a proud partner with Massport, and will continue to support the airport.”
“With increased service and destinations like New York City and Fort Lauderdale, area residents will again be encouraged to fly out of the Worcester Airport,” said Worcester Mayor Joseph M. Petty. “I want to thank Massport CEO Lisa Wieland, Governor Baker, and Lieutenant Governor Polito for their continued commitment to realizing the potential that the Worcester Regional Airport represents.”
“The resumption of commercial airline service at Worcester Regional Airport is exciting news for the City of Worcester and Central Massachusetts,” said City Manager Edward M. Augustus, Jr. “Between JetBlue and Delta, this region will once again have direct connections to New York and Florida. The commitment of daily flights from these airlines helps ensure that Worcester Regional Airport remains an integral part of the City’s overall revitalization efforts.”
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About Delta Airlines
Delta Air Lines is the U.S. global airline leader in safety, innovation, reliability and customer experience. Powered by our employees around the world, Delta has for a decade led the airline industry in operational excellence while building on our reputation for award-winning customer service. Today, nothing is more important than the health and safety of our customers and employees. With our mission of connecting the people and cultures of the globe, Delta strives to foster understanding across a diverse world and serve as a force for social good. For more information, go to www.delta.com
About Massport
The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) owns and operates Boston Logan International Airport, public terminals in the Port of Boston, Hanscom Field, and Worcester Regional Airport. For more information, please visit www.massport.com
Follow @FlyWorcester and @Massport on Twitter for more information and updates about ORH.