- By Geoff Dunn
- News
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American Airlines has announced that it will offer a direct flight from the Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport (ITH) to American's hub at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT). The new service is slated to begin Saturday, December 22nd, according to Airport Director Mike Hall.
"It's important to note the new service will start with just one Saturday flight a week, and current service through Philadelphia will not change," said Hall. "Further Charlotte service could be considered in the future if the new flight demonstrates sufficient passenger demand."
The added flight to American's second largest hub will depart Ithaca on Saturdays at 11:42am and arrive in Charlotte at 1:47pm. Travelers can begin booking flights for the new service on Saturday, July 14th. The flight from the Queen City will depart at 9:25am with an 11:12am arrival time in Ithaca.
"American Airlines is proud to serve our Tompkins County customers with this new service to Charlotte," added Darryl Towns, American's Director of State and Local Government Affairs. "Passengers can expect dozens of new one-stop destinations and easier connections."
"We're thrilled American Airlines will soon launch new service from Ithaca to Charlotte," said Tompkins County Area Development President Michael Stamm. "This will provide yet another option for the many business, student, and leisure travelers coming to and from the region, and builds on the momentum established by the state's investment of $14.2 million in the airport announced this spring."
"American's decision is exciting news, and another sign of Tompkins County's vibrancy as a destination and an economic engine," said Martha Robertson, Chair of the County Legislature. "With more choices for travelers to and from Ithaca, we'll see an even better return on the investment the County and New York State are making in the airport expansion."
Cornell University also expressed confidence in the progress being made with new flight options and planned renovations at the airport. "Mike Hall, the Air Service Board and Tompkins County are great partners," said Vice President for University Relations Joel Malina. "Cornell looks forward to continuing to advance shared interests at this important community resource."
News of the Ithaca-to-Charlotte service comes on the heels of United Airlines' announcement that it will replace its Ithaca to Newark service with direct flights to Dulles International Airport outside Washington effective October 4th.
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