In November 2020, Tweed New Haven Airport in southern Connecticut found itself without commercial flights for the first time in almost 90 years when American Airlines pulled their American Eagle regional service. This move left the airport inactive. American Airlines decision was part of a broader plan to also withdraw regional services from Williamsport Regional Airport in Pennsylvania and Stewart International Airport in New York, due to the significant drop in travel demand.
Even as travel nearly returned to pre-pandemic levels in 2022, regional airports still face considerable difficulties. United announced in late January that it would cut 17 regional routes, including service to Alexandria International Airport in Louisiana. By September, Delta, American, and United declared more service reductions to several regional airports nationwide like Toledo, Ohio; Ithaca, New York; Long Island, New York; and Dubuque, Iowa. While America is starting to explore its own local destinations, it seems our connections to them are being reduced.
Regional airlines play a key role in serving 29 states, over half of the country, according to the latest Regional Airline Association report. These smaller airports typically support local economies by linking communities to broader markets. Located in cities or towns with populations between 10,000 and 50,000, these airports handle multi-engine propeller planes and sometimes small jets. Despite their size, regional airports have a substantial impact on nationwide connectivity. RAA statistics show that last year, 41 percent of scheduled departures were via regional airlines, with 68 percent of U.S. airports offering only regional service.
However, travel analyst Henry Hartveldt’s data indicates that regional flights had around 123 million passengers in 2021, the lowest count in a decade (excluding 2020)—42 million fewer than the decade high in 2019. He estimates that 50 or more regional airports may lose all service this year. How can such an important service see such a steep decline? The answer is, of course, financial.
Several factors have influenced the drop in regional air service. Passenger numbers haven’t recovered since COVID, particularly in business travel, prompting regional airlines to cut services or exit markets to manage costs, raising flight prices in the process. None of these solutions benefit consumers.
Flying is costly due to labor and fuel expenses. Smaller markets have less demand, resulting in smaller aircraft with fewer seats. Although average seating capacity has grown to 66, regional airliners typically accommodate 30 to 76 passengers, depending on the aircraft.
“This matters greatly with higher pilot and flight attendant labor costs; it makes economic sense to distribute such costs over a larger plane of 76 seats than one of just 50 seats,” Hartveldt explained. “The pilot shortage spurred by the COVID crisis hits regional airlines hardest. Larger airlines like United, Southwest, and JetBlue are actively recruiting more pilots to replace those lost during the crisis and support growth.”
A first officer pilot for a major legacy carrier, speaking anonymously to TripSavvy, remarked there’s debate on the pilot shortage—questioning if it’s due to insufficient pay from regional airlines.
This pilot started eight years ago with SkyWest, earning just $21 an hour with 76 guaranteed hours monthly, often requiring on-call hours at the airport, mostly unpaid. He recounted having to call in sick for his wedding due to lack of PTO. He noted, “Pay isn’t everything, and regional airlines need to reconsider their approach to retain staff.”
Connectivity is crucial for economic growth and opportunity. Losing regional air service can lead to fewer jobs and business chances, eventually shrinking the local population and economy, making service restoration unlikely. Limited or dissolved regional air service complicates travel, making it costly and time-consuming, with distant airports adding hours to travel.
Less connectivity and travel opportunities also mean fewer chances to experience diverse regions, adding to national divides. It might be a hidden cost our divided country pays.
Remember Tweed New Haven, the airport left without service in November 2020? Nearly two years later, it’s thriving again with Avelo Airlines, which began flights in 2021. Avelo, launched in May 2021, aims to serve overlooked secondary airports, such as Hollywood Burbank Airport and Sonoma County Airport in California. Tweed New Haven currently serves destinations like Chicago, Charleston, Fort Lauderdale, and more through Avelo.
“Last November, we aimed to make air travel quicker, simpler, and more affordable for Connecticut travelers,” said Avelo founder Andrew Levy. “In 12 months, we’ve transformed Tweed from a single-destination airport to a lively gateway connecting to 14 destinations across seven states.”
This transformation highlights potential for regional air service revival. Though it may be early, there’s hope and anticipation for a favorable trend.
