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American Airlines cut flights to three destinations in the United States, Mexico and the Middle East this year, leaving some travelers with fewer flight options.
The airline discontinued service to Santa Maria, California; Tijuana, Mexico; and Doha, Qatar, according to aviation media outlet Simple Flying, which cited data from aviation analytics firm Cirium.
The cuts left Santa Maria without service from a major traditional U.S. carrier, while Tijuana lost its only nonstop route operated by a U.S. airline.
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By eliminating its routes from Phoenix to Santa Maria and Tijuana, American Airlines left both destinations.
In Santa Maria, Allegiant Air remains the only commercial airline serving the airport, with flights to Las Vegas, according to Simple Flying.
American Airlines halted service to three destinations in the United States, Mexico and the Middle East this year, citing route performance and network changes. (iStock)
Meanwhile, Qatar Airways took over the Philadelphia-Doha route, restoring nonstop service between the two cities after American’s departure.
Regarding the cancellation of service to Santa Maria, American Airlines said the decision was based on performance.
American Airlines operated service to Santa Maria, California, under its American Eagle brand through a partnership with SkyWest Airlines, a company spokesperson told local outlet KEYT earlier this year.
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“Unfortunately, flights to SMX have not met performance expectations and SkyWest has informed American that it will cease service effective May 7,” the official said.
In June, American Airlines permanently cut its Philadelphia-Doha route after suspending flights due to regional hostilities, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer.
The route did not meet performance expectations.
“As part of optimizing our network and fleet, American has made the difficult decision to discontinue service to Doha, Qatar (DOH),” Bri Harper, American Airlines spokesperson, said in a statement to the media outlet.
In August, American Airlines discontinued service to Tijuana, Mexico, after the route failed to meet performance expectations.
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American Airlines regularly reviews its routes to ensure “optimal aircraft deployment,” a spokesperson told aviation site AirlineGeeks, adding that service to Tijuana had not met “performance expectations.”
Fox News Digital has contacted American Airlines for further comment.
American Airlines discussed its efforts to optimize its network and fleet when it announced it was ceasing service to Doha, Qatar, earlier this year. (iStock)
Steven Arroyo, an aviation safety expert and retired United Airlines captain based in Florida, told Fox News Digital that route cancellations are a common part of airline business.
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“If airlines consistently don’t make money on a route, they’re going to pull out, and that happens all the time,” Arroyo said. “Managing an airline efficiently is part of economic reality.”
Arroyo said travelers should monitor routes and ticket prices when planning their next trips.
He encouraged travelers to “keep an eye on what’s happening” on their planned itineraries and “do some research” before booking their trip.
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Arroyo also urged travelers planning a trip to the Middle East to closely monitor their flights and consider contingency arrangements.
By eliminating its routes to Phoenix, American Airlines left Santa Maria and Tijuana altogether. (Li Rui/Xinhua)
“If you are traveling to the Middle East, the Gulf region, I strongly advise all passengers, all customers, to remain vigilant,” he said.
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“Go online. Go to the company’s website. See what happens. … Try locking in those prices or making alternative plans if it looks like flights might be canceled on your route.”
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