Sky West Airlines Pulls Kansas coverage After Announcing Pilot Shortages

DODGE CITY, Kansas (WesternKansasNews.Com) – Dodge City Regional Airport (DDC) received notice from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) that SkyWest Airlines has filed a notice to end Essential Air Services (EAS) this summer in 29 cities, including Liberal, Hays, and Salina airports, due to an ongoing pilot staffing imbalance across the aviation industry. Changes to the current flight schedules are not expected to occur.

“We are disappointed to receive the news,” said Dodge City Regional Airport Manager Kelli Enlow. “However, we understand that this is not an issue unique to  our airport, but is impacting many.” 

City and Airport staff will be working closely with the USDOT, which administers the EAS funding, to find a new air carrier by summer 2022. Staff will also work diligently with SkyWest in the coming months to help ensure a smooth transition for customers.

“We appreciate the partnership we have with SkyWest and how our customer base has grown under their service,” Enlow said.