- A regional airline is a type of airline that operates flights within a particular region, usually serving smaller airports and connecting them to larger hub airports. Regional airlines typically operate smaller aircraft and have a lower passenger capacity compared to major airlines. They often have codeshare agreements with larger airlines, allowing passengers to book flights to destinations beyond their regional route network. Regional airlines play a crucial role in providing air transportation to remote or under-served areas and also serve as a feeder system for major airlines. Examples of regional airlines include SkyWest Airlines, Horizon Air, and Republic Airways.