The Decline of Small Airports: Explained
Legacy airlines, including American, Delta, and United, have been withdrawing from regional airports across the United States since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving many small airports without commercial airline service. The shortage of pilots and changing airline economics, with increased labor, fuel, and maintenance costs, have made it difficult for smaller planes to be profitable. As a result, regional airports are losing options for passengers, and the highway system is becoming the primary access point for air travel. The departure of airlines from smaller cities has frustrated airport officials and impacted local businesses that rely on air service. Some airports are seeking assistance from Congress to rejoin programs like Essential Air Service, which provides grants to airlines serving financially challenging locations.