United Express jets continue to fly in and out of Fort Dodge Regional Airport, despite the airline’s announcement that it would stop service to the community on June 10.

Rhonda Chambers said she expects the flights will continue well past that date.

That’s because United Express, operated by Skywest Airlines, serves Fort Dodge with the aid of a subsidy and the federal government will not let the airline pack up and leave the community without service.

”Book your tickets — we’re flying,” Chambers said.

”The airline is still operating and you can still book tickets,” she added. ”Skywest has no plans to start canceling flights or anything like that.”

In March, Skywest Airlines did issue a notice stating that it would terminate service to Fort Dodge and 28 other communities it serves with the aid of about $3 million annually from the federal government’s Essential Air Service program. That notice said that it would stop service on or before June 10.

Airline executives cited a shortage of pilots as the reason for the notice.

The federal government will require Skywest to keep serving Fort Dodge until a replacement can be found.

If and when a replacement is found, Skywest will continue serving Fort Dodge for another 60 to 90 days until the new carrier takes over.

There will be some flight schedules beginning next month. The flights to and from Denver International Airport will end.

Flights will continue to Chicago O’Hare International Airport in Illinois, but some of them will include a stop in Mason City.

Chambers said travelers should check united.com for the latest flight information.