Citing the fact that its terminal will be under construction, American Airlines decided to suspend service from Dallas Love Field. The airline says that the terminal will be ready by 2013, one year before the flight restrictions, put in place by the Wright Amendment, will be lifted in 2014.
American added flights from Love to several cities, including Chicago, Austin, Kansas City, St. Louis and San Antonio, but business has been weak. Only Chicago O’Hare flights remain on American Eagle regional jets, and that will now end June 11, American says.
The airline vows to return by 2014. It even signed a new lease extending to 2028. Kevin Cox, American’s VP of State and Community Affairs says that “We have every intention of returning service to Love Field when the new terminal is completed.”
Southwest Airlines can’t wait until it can offer non-stop service to any city in 2014. When that happens, it remains to be seen whether American will be able to compete out of Love Field.
