You can now fly to this southern city for the first time in more than 30 years

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As small-town hideaways and hidden gems slowly but surely attract more attention, more and more travelers are saying goodbye to the crowds and high prices in favor of budget-friendly, blissful escapes.

Airlines have certainly taken note. Here at Travel Off Path, we’ve lost count of how many exciting airport openings (or in this case reopenings) we’ve covered in the past year – but it’s been a lot!

Now it’s Mississippi’s turn, which should come as no surprise to anyone who’s been keeping a close eye on how trendy the surprisingly diverse “Magnolia State” has become.

With an exciting new Amtrak route chugging along the gleaming white-sand coast, and even inland cities welcoming almost unprecedented record numbers of visitors, Mississippi has actually come a long way from its less-than-stellar reputation.

There is one such place Natcheza beautiful city along the, you guessed it, the Mississippi River – and it has become more popular than ever.

United Airlines is set to start the first commercial flights to this emerging southern charmer, for the first time in more than 30 years.

People are flocking to Natchez in record numbers

It’s not just Mississippi’s underrated beach towns that are turning heads and drawing tourists away from Florida; they are the charming small towns with hospitable residents who also exude unparalleled southern hospitality.

Believe it or not, the quaint town of Natchez, located on the Mississippi, has become all the rage for those in the know.

Earlier this year we revealed this lesser-known getaway as one of the most surprising destinations to break tourism records.

Not to toot our own horn, but we’re going to tell ourselves that United started licking their chops and saw a great opportunity to make money…

What is there to do in this (formerly) remote hideaway? Actually quite a lot, especially if you are looking for a relaxing retreat in a relaxing town or if you are a nature lover.

Better yet, Natchez is inviting for all four seasons.

Although you’ll have to wait a while for United’s groundbreaking new flight, you can still get to Natchez quite easily from nearby Baton Rouge or Monroe, both about an hour and a half away.

Natchez offers beautiful scenery and small-town charm

January is the coldest month of the year in Natchez, but highs still reach 58.

Although the windswept riverbank may take some beating, grab a comfortable jacket and explore the most famous natural attraction here: the Natchez Trace Parkway.

Whether it’s scenic hikes, peaceful fishing, peaceful campsites under the starlight, or an epic road trip across 450 miles of lush landscapes across multiple states, it’s a huge draw.

Otherwise, people tend to stay in the city if not boarding a riverboat tour to see the sights.

Speaking of jumping on board, Natchez is just big enough for one Hop-on hop-off bus (note: it is ‘temporarily suspended’).

‘Until then, enjoy a selection of plantations tours, live music from local legends, simple eateries that prepare southern staples, and even Magnolia Bluffs Casino & Hotel to test whether Lady Luck is on your side.

If you’re wondering what to order, here’s a hint: Natchez is the unequivocal “Cookie capital of the world“.

And don’t settle for brand chains when booking a stay. Natchez is also the “Bed and Breakfast Capital of the South“.

Our choice? Come along The Devereaux Shields House. You’ll thank us later!

United is capitalizing on the hype surrounding Natchez

Before United’s latest announcement, most visitors opted for an old-fashioned road trip or one of the latest travel crazes, river cruises, to get here.

That’s all going to change when the calendar rolls around, and it will be here before you know it!

According to the City of Natchez, this is one of the most exciting developments for tourism in decades.

Natchez Mayor Dan M. Gibson proudly claimed that they “will not only have commercial air service again, but the best. SkyWest and United are key partners for airports around the world. Natchez will now be connected to those markets by air.”

United’s new and only flight to Natchez (HEZ) is scheduled to launch daily service begins July 1, 2026, from Houston (IAH), so let’s hope the government opens back up by then (shoo-wee! Did you see those lines this week?!)

Sam Sears

Sam, our lead writer and San Diego-based journalist, has visited 36 countries and written more than 1,000 articles with an emphasis on sharing his own travel experiences and highlighting lesser-known gems.