United Airlines announced the suspension of 11 regional flights from Houston, Denver, and Chicago. This includes regional flights to Kalamazoo, Michigan; Columbia, Missouri; Mosinee, Wisconsin; South Dakota; Watertown, South Dakota; Evansville, Indiana; College Station, Texas; Killeen-Fort Hood, Texas; Lansing, Michigan; Monroe, Louisiana and Twin Falls, Idaho.
United will start cutting flights before the end of the month. It starts with flights to Twin Falls starting November 30. On the other hand, Kalamazoo, Killen-Fort Hood, Lansing, College Station, Evansville, Mosinee, Monroe, Pierre, and Watertown will be removed from United’s flight services by January 3.
Some Markets Slow to Recover
United decided to give up these regional flights since some markets were slower to recover from the COVID19 pandemic. According to United, these small cities were cut indefinitely “due to changes in the long-term sustainability” of the flights.
The airline said that it is going to help passengers affected by the route changes. The carrier will provide alternative flights.
Nicole Noll Williams who works as airport president and CEO at Capital Region International Airport said that “We are very disappointed to lose the United Airlines service from Lansing to Chicago O’Hare”.
Regional Flights Removed Due to Pilot Shortage?
Lansing airport officials are speculating that aside from monetary consideration, pilot shortage played a role in United’s decision.
John Clanton, the president of Easterwood Airport said that they did not expect United’s decision to remove flights to Easterwood. The airport recorded a significant increase in passengers over the last months. Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp, on the other hand, called United’s decision “devastating” to the university. Sharp added that “We’re doing everything we can to get them to change their mind”.
Other Airlines Cutting Regional Flights
American Airlines also decided to cut its flights to three small cities. This includes flights to Northeast—Newburgh, New York, Williamsport Pennsylvania, and New Haven Connecticut. Delta Air Lines, on the other hand, dropped Salt Lake City, Utah, and Durango, Colorado on November 1.
