Citing an industry-wide shortage of pilots and crews, Delta Airlines is suspending flights to and from University Park Airport after June 5, according to a news release from the State College-area airport on Monday.
Delta has operated twice-daily flights from University Park to LaGuardia Airport in New York since January after it discontinued local flights to and from Detroit.
Travelers with bookings to or from University Park Airport through June 5 on Delta can expect to travel as planned. Those with flights departing or returning starting June 6 will receive an email from Delta with further details.
Delta notified the Centre County Airport Authority and Penn State, which owns the airport property, on March 29 of the plan to suspend service. The airline is is flying 10-15% fewer flights nationwide as a result of personnel shortages. As a result, it is redeploying personnel and discontinuing service at various regional airports, according to the release.
The move comes as the airport has seen increased bookings as travel rebounds from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“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 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.”
American Airlines continues to operate daily flights between University Park and Philadelphia International and Saturday service to Charlotte Douglas International, while United operates daily flights to and from Chicago O’Hare International and Newark International.
“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,” Bryan Rodgers director of University Park Airport and the Penn State Aviation Center, said in a statement. “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.”
