Why can’t (insert your airport here) keep airlines?

6 comments March 20th, 2008

The minute we broke news that United Airlines was leaving Rockford, the moans started - ranging from “Why can’t Rockford keep airlines?” to “See, I told you!”

Admittedly, it’s been a bumpy rides. Since 2003, six airlines that have started service here have pulled out. But there are some key points of context:

1. The ones who have stayed - including Rockford’s largest, Allegiant Air - have packed planes. The number of nonstop destinations keep increasing and, if the airport isn’t at a record for destinations at one time, it will be in June.

2. Despite the ups and downs in airlines, passenger totals have steadily increased: 2,400 in 2002, 34,000 in 2003, 94,000 in 2004, 154,000 in 2005, 172,000 in 2006; and 215,000 in 2007. The airport set a single-month record last month and expects to do it again this month.

3. Cuts are happening everywhere! Delta and United announced this week they were cutting back across their systems and, a week after Skybus started service in Gary, Ind, it cut service in half. Airport officials say Frontier Airlines would love to serve Rockford, but is being conservative during this stormy weather.

Bottom line - Rockford’s situation is not out of line with other airports in the country that see service come and go. What is out of line, so far, is it continues to steadily increase despite those cuts.