By: Carson Hamilton

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (UATV) – Traveling to Northwest Arkansas has now become easier. With a total of 27 nonstop flights on the route map, Northwest Arkansas National Airport has added the latest in direct flights for the community.

The hub of NWA has continued to grow as the presence and impact of major companies expand. Earlier this year, Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA), was awarded more than $20 million from the state for expansion. While the entire project was funded by state and federal budgets, the Walton family also contributed $100,000 to help pay for a terminal gallery in honor of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.

With the expansion came a need for more flight routes and destinations. As many travel into the area for business, school, and Razorback football, the need for locals to vacation was also a priority.

As of Sept. 4, Pensacola, Florida, has been added as a new direct flight out of XNA.  The intention behind adding Pensacola was simple: vacationing to Florida can now happen year-round. With six major airlines, direct flights to a majority of the nation’s top cities have become easier and more efficient.

As the airport continues to grow to accommodate the expanding infrastructure of NWA, they plan to add more flights, airlines and terminals. The project timeline for the concourse is scheduled through September 2028.