American Airlines said Thursday that it plans to stop flights to 15 U.S. airports in October because demand for travel remains low as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Congress has been waiting for weeks for airlines to provide another $ 25 billion in payment assistance that would keep tens of thousands of airline workers on the job for another six months and extend minimum wages.
Americans said it would cancel just over 700 flights to and from those 15 airports in October, but warned it could make additional cuts or reconsider if Congress offers extra assistance.
“This is the first step as American continues to evaluate its network and plans for additional schedule changes in the coming weeks,” the airline said.
The debate over aviation assistance has been halted as Congress has struggled to reach agreement on a broader coronavirus assistance package.
Some lawmakers think Congress and the White House may not reach a deal by September.
Major U.S. airlines that received $ 25 billion in payment services were required by the U.S. Department of Transportation to maintain minimum flights through Sept. 30, but the government could choose to extend these requirements. U.S. received $ 5.8 billion in payment assistance.
Several airlines have privately warned lawmakers that they will be forced to shut down services at some smaller airports without assistance.
American will stop flights to Del Rio, Texas; Dubuque, Iowa; Florence, South Carolina; Greenville, North Carolina; Huntington, West Virginia; Joplin, Missouri; Kalamazoo-Battle Creek, Michigan; Lake Charles, Louisiana; New Haven, Connecticut; New Windsor, New York; Roswell, New Mexico; Sioux City, Iowa; Springfield, Illinois; Stillwater, Oklahoma, and Williamsport, Pennsylvania as of October 7th.
The travel and transportation sectors, including hotels, restaurants, performance venues, public transit and Amtrak passenger railways, are seeking significant government assistance.
The American Travel Association said Wednesday that travel “businesses and workers cannot wait until September or until after the election. Congress must come together immediately to pass meaningful legislation.”
