American Airlines’ Embraer ERJ-145 regional jet, as seen on the final landing at JFK International Airport in New York, New York, February 13, 2020.
Nicholas the Economist Nurfoto | Getty Images
American Airlines plans to suspend service to four U.S. cities in September, including Dubuque, Iowa, which will completely lose regular commercial air services.
The Fort Worth-based carrier has blamed cuts in services for a shortage of regional pilots. American, United Airlines and Delta Air Lines have reduced service between some smaller cities and their hubs, citing a lack of aviators.
The four cities – Toledo, Ohio; Islip, New York; Ithaca, New York and Dubuque – everyone will lose the service of America on September 7, after Labor Day.
“We will proactively contact customers scheduled to travel after that date to offer alternative arrangements,” American said in a statement.
The airports were operated by regional subsidiaries of American Airlines. Last week, these carriers raised pilots’ salaries in a bid to stem the shortage that comes after several airlines dumped pilots during the pandemic, only to be caught flat-footed when the search for travel returned.
Holly Kemler, a spokeswoman for the Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express airport, said airport officials were “incredibly disappointed” by the American’s decision.
“Please note that this decision was made solely by the airline, mainly due to a shortage of regional pilots,” she said. “Unfortunately, we understand that this is an ongoing trend in the aviation industry.”
Kemler said the airport is still operated by the Allegiant airline, which targets sun seekers.
American Airlines said the cities would still be served by flights to other airports between 45 miles and 120 miles away.
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