This fall, Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG) is gearing up for a busy season. Starting in October, FLG will expand its flight schedule with one new route and several additional flights on existing routes. The updated flight schedule includes up to three daily flights to Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), up to five daily flights to Phoenix (PHX), and a new, weekly seasonal flight to Los Angeles (LAX) every Saturday
These additional flights signal a positive shift for our community, reflecting progress in addressing the regional airline pilot shortage. The shortage grounded many planes due to a lack of qualified pilots and led to a significant reduction in regional airline flights starting in 2022. Factors contributing to this shortage included the retirement of experienced pilots and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused a sharp decline in air travel and led to widespread layoffs across the industry.
According to Travel Weekly, SkyWest, the largest U.S. regional carrier, was still 1,000 pilots short of its pre-pandemic numbers as of early 2024. American Airlines, the only airline currently serving FLG, had 77 of its American Eagle regional jets in storage at the end of 2023, while United Airlines had 103 regional jets grounded. American, with the largest U.S. regional network, is working diligently to restore its full fleet by 2026. However, efforts to address the shortage are ongoing, and the increase in flights at FLG is a hopeful sign of recovery.
FLG felt the impact of the pilot shortage in October 2022 when United Airlines discontinued its popular Denver (DEN) route, despite an impressive 86% seat occupancy rate. However, airport staff remain optimistic about resuming service to Denver in the future. Ongoing discussions with airlines highlight the importance of our region and the growing demand for additional air service.
Flagstaff welcomes 5.5 million visitors annually, yet 78% of them fly through Phoenix Sky Harbor instead of FLG. This statistic highlights the untapped potential of our local airport. The more we utilize FLG, the more likely we are to attract new routes and services. To make this happen, we need your support. The best way to secure more flights and destinations is to fill the seats we currently have. By choosing to fly out of Flagstaff, you’re not only enjoying a more convenient travel experience but also helping to expand the options available at your local airport. To book your travel, head over to aa.com.