Stepping into Williamsport Regional Airport is a surreal experience. Everything you'd expect to find in a bustling terminal is there: check-in counters, a luggage carousel, and even car rental services.

However, there's a conspicuous absence—passengers. Since American Airlines bid adieu in 2021, this airport has not witnessed the departure of any commercial flights.

This may sound like an isolated incident, but it's a growing trend. Legacy airlines, including American, Delta, and United, have bid farewell to a staggering 74 regional airports since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, as reported by aviation consultancy Ailevon Pacific

Several factors contribute to this transformation, with a shortage of pilots being one of them. Yet, a more profound shift in airline economics is looming, potentially rendering the challenges faced by regional airports insurmountable.

Several factors contribute to this transformation, with a shortage of pilots being one of them. Yet, a more profound shift in airline economics is looming, potentially rendering the challenges faced by regional airports insurmountable.

Long-time industry analyst William Swelbar elucidates, "The 50-seat jet, once economically viable a decade ago, is now struggling to stay afloat. Labor costs are on the rise, fuel expenses are soaring, and maintenance costs are escalating. It's becoming increasingly difficult for these smaller aircraft to turn a profit."

These 50-seat jets are the lifeblood of regional airports like Williamsport, making it highly likely that we'll witness more small cities losing their airline services in the coming years. As Swelbar notes, "In the Western United States, vast distances and challenging terrains necessitate air travel. In contrast, the Eastern United States boasts a dense network of airports, complemented by an efficient highway system. This is why we're likely to see more cases similar to Williamsport."