On Oct. 7, American Airlines will suspend service to 15 smaller markets, citing low demand.
The markets are: Del Rio, Texas; Dubuque, Iowa; Florence, S.C.; Greenville, N.C.; Huntington, W. Va.; Joplin, Mo.; Kalamazoo/Battle Creek, Mich.; Lake Charles, La.; New Haven, Conn.; New Windsor, N.Y.; Roswell, N.M.; Sioux City, Iowa; Springfield, Ill.; Stillwater, Okla.; and Williamsport, Pa. Service to those cities will be suspended only for the October schedule, which runs through Nov. 3, and American plans to release an updated November schedule by the end of September.
The cuts are "the first step as American continues to evaluate its network and plans for additional schedule changes in the coming weeks," according to the carrier.
The timing of the suspension comes after the end of service requirements of the Coronavirus Air, Relief and Economic Security Act, which required carriers to maintain service as a stipulation of receiving government aid. American noted that it would re-evaluate its plans if an extension of the program is approved.