In this file photo from Southern Illinois, a SkyWest CRJ-200 jet, carrying SkyWest officials, flies past a Cape Air plane at Southern Illinois Veterans Airport on July 18, 2019 SkyWest officials were pitching their proposal to add airport service to Chicago’s O’Hare Airport, but the service was ultimately awarded to Cape Air. SkyWest recently announced that it is ending service to Cape Girardeau, Missouri and Paducah, Kentucky.
Byron Hetzler
News that SkyWest Airlines intends to halt passenger service to 29 airports across the country, including Barkley Regional Airport in Paducah, Kentucky and Cape Girardeau Regional Airport in Missouri, has brought these two communities to seek new air carriers.
The announcement also encourages passengers from southern Illinois to seek a new way to get to Chicago.
Early last month, SkyWest, a regional airline that books flights through United Express at both airports, told the US Department of Transportation it would withdraw from the airports after 90 days. The airline blamed pilot shortages and rising fuel costs for his departure.
Because both airports are part of the Essential Air Service program, a federal agent that gives small communities air access, the federal government will require SkyWest to continue serving the airports, possibly beyond the 90 days — and during the remainder of their contracts or until another supplier is in place. The DOT also said it will help both communities find new passenger service carriers.
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Both airports offer flights to Chicago.
According to 2019 Federal Aviation Administration data, SkyWest served 11,838 passengers from Cape Girardeau and 17,982 from Paducah.
“While we knew there was definitely a shortage of pilots and the industry was in turmoil due to the pandemic, I admit that this particular announcement came as a surprise. It was a punch in the belly,” Paducah Mayor George Bray said. “But we have to roll with the punches.”
Bray was chairman of the Barley Regional Airport Authority before his election as mayor. He said efforts were already underway to secure new passenger service for the airport.
“I don’t think we know exactly what’s going to happen yet because the industry is reacting to SkyWest’s announcement, but there are airlines that are adapting and preparing to ramp up service to communities,” Bray explained. “We are in discussions with various airlines that we believe would provide a credible service to the community, but I think we are a few months away from any decision.
The potential lack of air service caused some southern Illinois residents to use United-branded SkyWest service to fly to Chicago.
“There’s not much we can do, but logistically it could be a problem for the whole region,” said Trish Steckenrider, executive director of the Greater Metropolis Convention and Tourism Board. “It’s usually so easy to use the airport to get to Chicago. You can leave in the morning and literally be back in the evening. It will certainly have an impact on the people of the region.
She expressed concerns specifically about Superman’s annual celebration.
“We have people who come from all over the country and even the world. So that might make the logistical part of the upcoming celebration in June more difficult,” she said.
Illinois State Sen. Dale Fowler, R-Harrisburg, said he recognizes the vital role air service plays for the region.
“Connecting people to destinations through air service plays a critical role for tourism in all regions of the country, including southern Illinois,” he said. “With many exciting tourism things coming to our area, like the opening of Walker’s Bluff Resort and more, I will continue to advocate for essential transportation services.”
As essential air service communities, the federal government is obligated to ensure Paducah and Cape Girardeau have passenger flights. However, Doug Kimmel, airport manager at Southern Illinois Veterans Airport in Marion – who is unaffected by SkyWest’s announcement – said it could be difficult for airports to find a replacement at SkyWest.
“The current problem is who else has the ability to conquer new markets? he wondered.
He said he wasn’t sure if Cape Air, which provides passenger air service from Marion to St. Louis and Nashville, would be interested in serving the other two airports. SkyWest was one of the carriers Southern Illinois Veterans Airport considered several years ago to provide its service, but ultimately the contract was awarded to Cape Air.
Cape Air representatives declined to be interviewed.
Kimmel said SkyWest could potentially be held to its contract to serve Cape Girardeau and Paducah, but that service could mean fewer flights and less reliable air service, perhaps just a few flights a week.
Cape Girardeau Regional Airport manager Katrina Amos played down the concerns.
“There is always a chance that we will be without passenger service, but I think we are in a very good position, so it’s not a problem. I don’t think we will be without service at any time. We are working very aggressively to get another service,” she said.
Amos said the airport’s goal is to avoid a service disruption.
“We want to make sure there’s a very minimal impact on the community,” she said.
Photos: ‘The Southern Illinois 100’ Part 9 – Iconic Symbols of Our Region

AVIATION: Flying is hugely important to Southern Illinois, from training new Aviators at Southern Illinois University Carbondale to connections, opportunities at area airports and airlines.
PROVIDED

AUTUMN COLORS: The yellows and reds of the fall foliage create light in the woods south of Equality. Fall in southern Illinois is a beautiful time of year.
The Winkelers

SIN: Fishing is a popular pastime in southern Illinois. Thousands of residents and visitors, including these Crab Orchard Lake anglers, enjoy the area’s ponds, lakes, streams and rivers.
Byron Hetzler

CHASE: Southern Illinois is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise.
Byron Hetzler

CLIMBING AND HIKING: Miles of trails and rock formations throughout the region attract climbers, backpackers, and hikers from around the world to explore southern Illinois.
Byron Hetzler

CLYFE FERN: A visitor to Ferne Clyffe State Park uses stepping stones to cross a creek near the Big Rocky Hollow Trail Tuesday near Goreville. The park is one of southern Illinois’ most popular nature destinations.
Byron Hetzler

ANTIQUES: Southern Illinois has many antique stores. There are shops in many communities in the region – and along the roads in between.
Richard Sitler, The South

FESTIVALS: The annual Golconda Shrimp Festival is just one of dozens of festivals each year celebrating the resources, history and people of southern Illinois.
The Southern Archival Photo

KIRKPATRICK POTTERY: Made in Anna in the 19th century, Kirkpatrick pottery is well known throughout the world.
THE SOUTH FILE PHOTO

WOODLAWN CEMETERY: Carbondale Cemetery hosted the first day of remembrance, the precursor to what is now Memorial Day.
Byron Hetzler