American increases jet size as Grand Island airport reports record enplanements

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. — Changes are coming to the Central Nebraska Regional Airport in Grand Island.

Starting July 5th, American Airlines will use larger jets to service the airport. The upgrades will allow for 10 more passengers per flight for a total of 63 main cabin and 12 first class seats.

The upgrades come after the airport reported its largest February on record last month with nearly 6,000 enplanements.

The record-setting month comes after Allegiant Air added a third weekly flight from Grand Island to Mesa Gateway in December. Allegiant recently upped that schedule to four flights per week lasting through April 15.

“With our partners, Allegiant Air, adding additional frequencies to Mesa Gateway Airport, and American adding bigger aircraft July 5, 2025, we have a good chance to make 2025 a record year in passenger boardings.”

Allegiant Air also flies twice weekly out of Grand Island to Las Vegas (LAS). American Airlines flies twice daily to Dallas/Ft. Worth (DFW) allowing Grand Island area residents access to almost anywhere in the world from the Central Nebraska Regional Airport.