American Airlines axes non-stop flight between Edmonton and Dallas-Fort Worth

EDMONTON – For the second time in as many days, a major flight route is being cut from Edmonton International Airport.

American Airlines is ending flights between EIA and Dallas-Fort Worth, one of the biggest airports in the U.S., and where the airline has its main headquarters.

In a statement, American Airlines announced they were cutting the flight because it was “not performing well,” adding, “February 10 will be the last day for the flight.”

The inaugural non-stop flight took off just last April.

READ MORE: Edmonton’s direct flight to Dallas begins Wednesday 

No other airline currently offers non-stop flights from Edmonton to Dallas-Fort Worth.

American Airlines flew between Edmonton and Dallas-Fort Worth five times per week. The airline will still operate direct flights between Calgary and Dallas-Fort Worth.

This announcement comes one day after Air Canada announced it was shutting down direct service between Edmonton and Heathrow Airport in London. Air Canada will also be reducing flights between Edmonton and Regina within the coming months.

READ MORE: Air Canada stops flights from Edmonton to Heathrow  

The recent cuts are due mainly to economic reasons.

“Airlines are trying to adjust to the lower Canadian dollar,” said EIA spokesperson Heather Hamilton.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "Airlines are trying to adjust to the lower Canadian dollar," said EIA spokesperson Heather Hamilton.

“You see a lot of the big shifts, but there are a lot of smaller shifts as well.”

While there have been cuts in direct flights out of Edmonton, there are more indirect flights leaving the city. Recent deals reached with Iceland Air, KLM, and Air China have increased the airport’s international travel by as much as 15 per cent this year, despite the recent flight cuts.

READ MORE: WestJet expanding Edmonton regional services

EIA is focusing more on shorter, regional flights instead of long-haul, international flights.

“Edmonton is continuing to be more of a regional hub,” said Hamilton. “You look industry wide, and we realize Edmonton is still in a very strong position.”

American Airlines will still operate daily flights between Edmonton and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.