United Airlines to end service at NE Louisiana airport

MONROE, La. (AP) – Monroe Regional Airport is losing one of its three major airlines.

United Airlines announced that it would cease service from the airport in early 2022, the city of Monroe confirmed in a press release.

“United Airlines said the decision is being made in the shadow of a post-pandemic world where air traffic has declined,” the statement said. “United Airlines’ leadership has reviewed its operational capabilities and has concluded that they need to reduce capacity across their network.”

United had three scheduled flights a day from the airport, all to Houston, The News-Star reported. It also drew service from 10 other markets: Kalamazoo / Battle Creek, Michigan; College Station, Texas; Colombia, Missouri; Mosinee, Wisconsin; Evansville, Indiana; Killeen / Fort Hood, Texas; Lansing, Michigan; Pierre, South Dakota; Twin Falls, Idaho; and Watertown, South Dakota.

The airport’s remaining airlines – American and Delta – fly to Dallas and Atlanta, respectively.

Monroe Mayor Ellis Friday said he was sad to see United Airlines leave, but Monroe Regional Airport would continue to serve passengers.

“MLU will continue to strengthen the services of Delta and American Airlines while working aggressively to develop opportunities with other airlines,” he said.

Ellis said United’s decision had nothing specifically to do with the city, but rather a change in travel habits during the pandemic.

“When you saw the other cities they withdrew from, it was a business decision,” Ellis explained. “We knew what effects COVID has on travel.”

He said he also likes what he hears from the remaining major airlines.

“Delta Airlines flies bigger jets to Monroe,” said Ellis. “American Airlines, we’re talking to you about establishing other connections in the US. You’ve doubled your flights and locations in that time.”

The mayor said he also hired airport director Charles Butcher to bring a value carrier on board to facilitate business travel.

“I would love to see a direct flight to New Orleans, direct flights to Baton Rouge because there is a lot of business between New Orleans and Baton Rouge,” Ellis told KNOE-TV.

Butcher said he is still unaware of the full airport impact of the United’s loss.

“We’re working on tariffs and fees this week,” Butcher said. “I don’t yet know what the financial impact that will have on us.”

United Airlines last day of service in Monroe Regional is January 3rd.

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