In the last five years, a review of government statistics shows, air service most often dropped at midsize airports and cities where jobs disappeared or housing prices collapsed. Las Vegas, Phoenix and Detroit, for instance, all lost flights in the 12 months that ended in March.
“The public takes air service for granted, but with the mergers, there aren’t that many airlines anymore, and there are fewer hubs,” said Justin Meyer, the manager of air service development for the Kansas City Aviation Department. “Just because you have a runway doesn’t mean you deserve service.”
That means airports must compete more fiercely than ever for service, Mr. Meyer said, and must be willing to offer incentives to the airlines, including lower gate or landing fees.
Roger Cohen, who heads the Regional Airline Association, said airports should offer carriers a compelling reason to fly into their communities. “It’s like dating, where attitude is everything,” Mr. Cohen said. “You want to show you’re interested in the relationship.”
Two years ago, the Port of Portland, Ore., which operates Portland International Airport, joined with local businesses to commit $5 million to offset losses that Delta might have on its flights to Tokyo so it would keep flying that route.
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