2 days ago
United Airlines Cuts US Domestic Routes: What To Know
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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United Airlines is permanently axing U.S. domestic bus routes between airports in the coming weeks.
The airline will be ending two routes later this summer and in the fall—its Denver to Fort Collins, Colorado, (DEN-FNL) and Newark, New Jersey, to Allentown, Pennsylvania, (EWR-ABE) Landline services.
When contacted by Newsweek, United Airlines confirmed the bus services would be canceled.
Why It Matters
The cuts will affect scores of passengers, potentially disrupting their travel plans.
What To Know
The Denver to Fort Collins, Colorado, Landline service will end on July 31, while the Newark, New Jersey to Allentown, Pennsylvania route will be canceled permanently on September 1, United confirmed in an email to Newsweek.
"Our bus service from Newark to Allentown and from Denver to Fort Collins, Colorado will end as Landline focuses on other opportunities. We are reaching out to customers to offer refunds or rebooking options," the airline said.
The development was first reported by financial news website TheStreet, which cited an internal memo on the changes.
A United Airlines Airbus A320 passenger jet taxis at Denver International Airport in Denver, Colorado.
A United Airlines Airbus A320 passenger jet taxis at Denver International Airport in Denver, booked on the routes will need to be reaccommodated, TheStreet reported. United Airlines may reroute travelers through nearby airports within a radius of approximately 300 miles, or it may offer alternative connection options. Some customers may be eligible for a partial refund if the alternative options offered by the airline aren't feasible, TheStreet said.
It comes as the aviation industry is under mounting pressure as it faces staffing challenges, and the airline has been marred by widespread delays and cancellations.
The airline announced flight cuts just weeks ago, in May, when it said dozens of daily flights at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey would be slashed as part of an effort to stabilize operations.
In a letter to customers, United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby announced the that 35 roundtrip flights per day from its Newark schedule would be removed.
"Long-simmering FAA challenges boiled over this week," Kirby added, explaining that the airline was experiencing technology issues linked to staffing shortages.
What People Are Saying
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby said in a letter to customers in May: " "Unfortunately, the technology issues were compounded as over 20% of the FAA controllers for EWR walked off the job. Keep in mind, this particular air traffic control facility has been chronically understaffed for years and without these controllers, it's now clear – and the FAA tells us – that Newark airport cannot handle the number of planes that are scheduled to operate there in the weeks and months ahead."
