For Immediate Release
March 11, 2022
SkyWest Airlines Files 90-Day Notice to Terminate United Express Service at Twenty-Nine Locations
Hays, KS, (March 11, 2022) – SkyWest Airlines has provided the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) with a 90-day notice that the airline intends to terminate United Express service at Hays, KS and twenty-eight other United Express communities. The SkyWest decision also impacts essential air service at the Kansas communities of Salina, Dodge City, and Liberal. The decision is not driven by any failure in the USDOT’s Essential Air Service Program (EAS) or the communities. The ongoing national pilot shortage has resulted in service cuts by all U.S. airlines. SkyWest lacks the pilots needed to meet demand and is reducing flying across its network.
USDOT Hold-in Order
The USDOT will issue a Hold-In Order prohibiting SkyWest from terminating service at the Hays Regional Airport until a replacement carrier is selected and begins operations. During the Hold-In period, SkyWest is expected to maintain the current daily schedule for regional jet service. The Hays Regional Airport will work with the USDOT if it does become necessary to select a replacement carrier. A suspension of scheduled air service at the Hays Regional Airport is not expected to occur.
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