Hooters Air Blames High Fuel Prices for Flight Cancellations

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (AP) - Hooters Air says high fuel prices are to blame for canceling flights between Myrtle Beach and six destinations until next March.

The airline says it will stop flights from Baltimore; Columbus, Ohio; Gary, Ind.; Pittsburgh; Nassau; and Las Vegas to Myrtle Beach.

It is the third year that Hooters Air reduced service in the slower tourist season.

"Permanent residents of Myrtle Beach know how quiet it gets in the offseason months with few travelers," said Mark Peterson, airline president.

"In the past years we have reduced the schedule and absorbed the costs. However, this year with the high cost of fuel and low participation, the seasonal adjustments were necessary."

Hooters Air ticket-holders will be mailed refunds. However, Peterson said the airline can't do anything beyond that to aid passengers with last-minute travel plans.

Hooters Air also permanently ended flights between Myrtle Beach and Rockford, Ill.

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