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Delta Air Lines has cut service to Maui’s Kahului Airport (OGG) this winter from its hubs at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP). After the devastating wildfires that hit the island, this is the exact opposite of what is needed.
Delta still plans to operate flights from OGG to Seattle, Los Angeles, and Salt Lake City. Depending on how OGG recovers, ATL/MSP could return?
United is also pulling back long-haul from OGG. Newark (EWR) to OGG has been reduced to three flights this winter (Dec. 23, 30, Jan. 6)
— Ishrion Aviation (@IshrionA) September 9, 2023
Delta has trimmed its winter schedule with both of these routes being eliminated. It will continue to offer service to Maui from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).
Wildfires, pushed by winds from Hurricane Dora, raced through parts of Hawaii, burning down businesses in Lahaina, Maui, injuring several people, forcing evacuations and leading some to flee to the relative safety of the ocean, where they were rescued by the Coast Guard. pic.twitter.com/SKZibg1J09
— The Associated Press (@AP) August 9, 2023
Maui’s economy is driven by tourism. Over 51% of residents work in the tourism industry and revenue was originally projected at $20.8 billion in 2023 with growth expected to grow to $23.4 billion by 2026 per the Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism. Without flights to get vacationers to the island, recovery efforts will take longer and these revenue projections will be far off.
Delta is a business and drives its decisions based on fiscal measures. Ticket sales are down and these cuts are needed for profitability. United Airlines has also cut its schedule down from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).
Anthony’s Take: Traveling to Maui while the fires were raging was ill advised, but supporting the island by vacationing in areas that were not hit by the fires will help the people rebuild their communities faster. The wildfires had a tragic and likely long-lasting impact on the island. If you’re thinking about heading to Maui, book that trip and bring in much-needed tourism dollars.
(H/T: View from the Wing.)
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3 comments
Well I’d say the picture you used on the front of your article is about as insane as it gets. Way to help the cause. Is there any decent bloggers or media left in our great country ?
So, you basically plagiarize a faulty article from Gary Leff’s “View of the Wing” website and make it your own? Sad,,
This article is soooooo far off I don’t know where to begin. Sad.