Delta to Suspend Service from University Park Airport Due to Personnel Shortage

Apr. 3—Delta Air Lines will stop serving the University Park Airport in June, airport officials said Monday.

The airline had added capacity when it began flying twice daily from State College to New York's LaGuardia Airport in January on bigger regional jets than it used for previous service to Detroit.

Delta will suspend flights from State College on June 5 due to a personnel shortage, airport officials said in a statement. Delta has reduced flights by 10-15% nationwide because of a lack of pilots and crew members, an issue being felt across the airline industry.

At the University Park Airport, bookings have increased as travelers resume pre-pandemic travel plans.

"We're certainly disappointed on behalf of our many travelers, but recognize the challenges faced by the airline industry," Centre County Airport Authority Executive Director James Meyer said in a written statement. "We're optimistic that this will be a temporary measure, and when Delta is able to reinstate service to State College, they will return with flights through Detroit and future destinations like Atlanta could be added to the schedule."

When Delta leaves the market, commercial travelers will be served by American (which offers flights to Philadelphia) and United (which offers flights to Chicago and Newark).

Delta spokesperson Drake Castaneda confirmed in an email that the airline will "temporarily suspend" service from State College. The last Delta Connection flight between State College and LaGuardia will be June 4.

" Delta continues to evaluate the regional market, monitoring regional carrier pilot availability and customer demand. Affected customers will be proactively notified by Delta and re-accommodated accordingly," Castaneda said. "We apologize to customers for any inconvenience these changes may cause."

Delta will continue to offer service from Harrisburg to hubs in Atlanta and Detroit.

The airline's departure from State College will mark the 17th city it has left during the pandemic, according to The Points Guy — including Erie and Wilkes-Barre in Pennsylvania. United has left 38 markets, including Erie, while American has cut 18 markets.

Airport Director Bryan Rodgers struck an optimistic tone in a statement Monday.

" University Park Airport has been a crucial part of the economic growth of this region for decades, and we will continue to provide outstanding and convenient travel options," Rodgers said. "We are always exploring options for new travel partners, and we expect to see options open up in the future as the travel industry returns to more normal conditions."

This story was originally published April 3, 2023, 4:31 PM.

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