Following chaos with airlines this summer, smaller cities will lose service as airlines divert before the end of the year.
It seems that smaller cities such as Toledo, Ohio, Dubuque, Iowa, and New York’s Ithaca and Islip will lose some of their air service from major airlines. United, American Airlines, and Delta will all be making significant cuts in air service from these cities from September.
The news shifts things dramatically for flyers and regulars in these smaller, less frequented airports in the U.S. For instance, Toledo residents will have to drive almost an hour to arrive at the next closest airport after the change.
Residents in the city of Dubuque have similar travel dilemmas. With American Airlines confirming its withdrawal, the city will lose its only airline.
In a statement, Molly Grover, President and CEO of the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce revealed, “We are incredibly disappointed to learn of American Airlines’ decision to depart Dubuque.”
“Unfortunately, this is the current trend in the aviation industry and regional airports are taking the brunt of the impact.”
Dubuque Mayor Brad Cavanagh stated, “American Airlines has been a long-time partner for many years in Dubuque. We fully understand this is a nationwide issue with multiple airlines and airports announcing air service cancellations and reductions.”
Small Cities Set To Lose Their Airline Services from September
The Regional Airline Association announced that 188 communities have lost at least 25% of their air service since the start of the pandemic or during the first half of 2022.
With the rising costs of fuel and crew, the likelihood of the travel industry changing and reprioritising regional flights becomes real. With the ongoing pilot shortage, many believe that other small cities run the risk of losing air service, too. CBS News reports that before the end of the year it is possible that cities in Wisconsin and Minnesota, Eureka and Chico in California, and small regional airports in Arkansas and Alabama may also lose their air services.
In other travel trends, the loss of air service in certain regions may see a rise in carpooling. This is a trend not only regionally but also internationally in some parts of the world.
Related: Carpooling Is Back! UberX Share Launches In Cities Across The U.S.