The Durango-La Plata County Airport is celebrating the return of seasonal nonstop Saturday service to Los Angeles International Airport by giving away a free weekend trip for two to LA.

Airport staff will be accepting entries into the drawing on May 30 from 2 to 5:30 p.m. at the Durango Welcome Center. The prize package will include two roundtrip tickets to LAX, a hotel room for three nights and $200 for baggage fees and ground transportation.

Nonstop Saturday flights to Los Angeles will resume June 3 through Aug. 19, similar to what was offered last year by American Airlines.

“Service to Los Angeles started fairly slow but built throughout the summer, and so American Airlines was encouraged by it,” said Tony Vicari, director of aviation for the Durango-La Plata County Airport. “Every year, American Airlines runs test routes and a certain percentage of those are dropped, but ours was successful enough to continue.”

A roundtrip ticket departing June 3 from Durango and returning June 10 from Los Angeles was being sold for $606 as of Tuesday, according to American Airline’s website.

“That price is more a reflection of a higher demand because we are close to that date. It is not reflective of the majority of pricing,” Vicari said. “If you look at flights in July or August, the site shows the airfare is well under $400.”

While the future of flights to LAX is uncertain, Vicari said there is a chance for year-round service to Los Angeles down the road.

“I can’t speak for American Airlines, but in my conversations with them, they are encouraged by the possibilities of a permanent service,” he said. “This summer’s numbers will be important to a viable future. This could continue as a seasonal service in the future but eventually run more frequently until it is year-round.”

mrupani@durangoherald.com