MINNEAPOLIS — The aviation analytics firm Cirium, which reports on aviation schedules, has found that Delta Air Lines has cut down its nonstop schedule from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) this year, with the carrier removing seven routes from its scheduled operations. The cuts impact areas from beach resorts to small towns.
Which routes are impacted?
These cuts occurred in two phases—three vacation routes in April and four domestic routes in September.
| Route from Minneapolis (MSP) | Cut in | Reason and what travelers can do |
|---|---|---|
| St. Maarten (SXM) | April | The competition from Sun Country Airlines and lack of demand. |
| Mazatlan, Mexico (MZT) | April | The airline is facing competition from Sun Country Airlines and weak demand. |
| Tulum, Mexico (TQO) | April | The route has been abandoned due to weak demand. |
| Williston, North Dakota (XWA) | September | The number of passengers is insufficient; otherwise, Williston is still served by United Express to Denver. |
| Marquette, Michigan (MQT) | September | Heavy fuel prices and reduced winter demand via Detroit or Chicago. |
| Great Falls, Montana (GTF) | September | Direct flights to Salt Lake City (SLC); connect from Salt Lake City. |
| Wilmington, North Carolina (ILM) | September | Delta discontinued the service to lower costs, and it now runs from Atlanta. |
Why Is Delta Cutting Routes?
Delta has cited sluggish demand as a reason. The airline's biggest challenge came from a low-cost competitor, Sun Country Airlines, based in Minneapolis, on the vacation routes. It's not only Delta; other airlines are over-allocated at Tulum.
Another strain is fuel. Delta projects spending about $6 billion more for fuel this year, a 60% increase, in its earnings report Oct. 9. Management indicated that it would continue to operate at a low level of capacity until fuel costs ease.
The End of Williston Service
The largest local effect is in Williston. The last flight to Minneapolis by Delta was scheduled for Sept. 7, according to Williston Basin International Airport. It operated for almost 14 years beginning in November 2012.
Local leaders had already granted financial support of up to $2.7 million, but ridership never materialized to maintain the service. This was a Delta Connection route flown by SkyWest. United Express will continue to operate flights from Williston to Denver.
Marquette, Great Falls and Wilmington
At Marquette Sawyer Regional Airport, flights to Minneapolis were scheduled to be suspended just after Labor Day due to high fuel and operating costs and a reduced winter demand. The airport manager stated that it could resume in March or April. Until then, travelers will have to go through Detroit or Chicago.
Great Falls passengers now have the option to travel through Salt Lake City. Atlanta is the airport for Wilmington, Simple Flying reported.
Minneapolis Is Still a Major Delta Base
The cuts have not made Minneapolis the third largest base for Delta. The airline runs approximately 2266 flights weekly there, which is behind both Atlanta (6165) and Detroit (2372). Overall demissions have increased 1.1% from a year ago.
What Should Travelers Do?
Those who have booked one of the routes listed as affected should verify the reservation on the Delta app or Delta website. The airline says it contacts affected passengers with other travel options. If the new plan is not right for you, request a refund.
It's also a good idea to check into other cities if you're planning a trip to one of the smaller ones, as a layover in Detroit, Salt Lake City, or Atlanta may end up being faster and cheaper than the original nonstop flight.
To keep up with demand, Delta adjusts its network frequently, says the company. Changes are possible; please confirm your flight before travelling.
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