BISMARCK, N.D. (Prairie Public Radio) – The Federal Department of Transportation has told Skywest Airlines that it must continue to serve 29 smaller cities until a replacement can be found.

That includes Jamestown and Devils Lake.

Skywest flies under the “United Express” brand. It has a contract under the federal Essential Air Service program.

The order says the airline must continue to serve those cities until a replacement is found.

Skywest filed a 90 day notice that it would be discontinuing service, because of a pilot shortage.

North Dakota Aeronautics Commission director Kyle Wanner says he’s happy the federal DOT issued its order.

Interested carriers have to submit proposals by April 11th.

Skywest had provided daily flights to Denver from the two North Dakota locations.