SeaPort Airlines plans to discontinue its flights from Athens Ben Epps Airport as the federal subsidy for the service comes to an end.
The carrier plans to end its service from Athens to Nashville effective Sept. 30, according to a filing with the U.S. Department of Transportation.
SeaPort was selected in fall 2012 to operate the subsidized service under the federal Essential Air Service program for two years. But earlier this year, the U.S. DOT determined Athens was no longer eligible for the subsidy because fewer than 10 passengers boarded planes per day on average.
“The discontinuation of service by SeaPort at Athens will leave the community with no scheduled air service,” SeaPort said in its filing with the DOT. The airline said it would contact any passengers booked for travel Oct. 1 or later to give refunds and help with alternative travel arrangements.
“We just don’t fit the criteria for a subsidy,” said Athens Mayor Nancy Denson. “It was not a good use of taxpayer funds.”
Denson said the airport authority will have ongoing discussions about attracting non-subsidized airline service. But, she added, “I honestly don’t see it happening anytime very soon,” because the traffic levels aren’t high enough.
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