Which U.S. Airport is Next to Secure Their Only Long-Haul Passenger Service?
Airports rigorously compete with each other to secure additional long-haul passenger flights. For those that lack or have a limited amount, these airports are typically willing to spend millions of dollars in financial incentives to offset risk and acquire long-haul service.
There’s a significant opportunity cost principle given the industry’s limited resources. Each airport is competing to entice an airline to dedicate some of their aircraft and crew for new flights.
Over the past few years, more U.S. airports have secured their only long-haul flights, such as St. Louis’ Lufthansa to Frankfurt and Cleveland’s Aer Lingus to Dublin service.
So who could be up next? Some potential candidates:
Charleston, South Carolina (CHS)
Columbus, Ohio (CMH)
Indianapolis, Indiana (IND)
Jacksonville, Florida (JAX)
Kansas City, Missouri (MCI)
Memphis, Tennessee (MEM)
Milwaukee, Wisconsin (MKE)
Providence, Rhode Island (PVD)
San Antonio, Texas (SAT)
Sacramento, California (SMF)
West Palm Beach, Florida (PBI)
Of course, there could be surprises. Remember when Reno, Nevada (RNO) was supposed to receive a nonstop route to London Gatwick (LGW)?
Here’s an exclusive teaser—one of these airports may have already secured their only long-haul service with an announcement coming soon. This is all subject to change, but it currently appears the route has been finalized.