2023 was a record-setting year for airports, but the story is different for many small airports in America. Four years after the pandemic, rural and midsize communities have fewer flight options than before. Take Williamsport, Pennsylvania, for example. Once a hub for travel, the airport now sees no major carriers operating.
Richard Howell, the executive director of Williamsport Regional Airport, has been struggling to attract airlines back to the city. The pandemic exacerbated the pilot shortage, leading to the exit of airlines from at least 121 markets nationwide. Regional carriers like SkyWest Airlines and Republic Airways have been hit hard, with many airports losing commercial service altogether.
The impact is felt across the country, with a dozen airports losing all commercial service and many more seeing a significant decrease in flights. Communities like Williamsport and Dubuque, Iowa, are feeling the effects, with concerns about economic development and recruitment of new businesses.
Despite the challenges, there are glimmers of hope. Airports like Wilkes-Barre Scranton International have seen an increase in seats, thanks to new carriers like Breeze Airways. Major airlines like American and Delta are also showing interest in restoring service to smaller communities.
However, the road to recovery is long, with the pilot shortage still a major hurdle. While Americans still value the convenience of small, local airports, the future of air service in rural America remains uncertain. As Dalsing from Dubuque puts it, “we don’t want rural America to be left behind.”