Major airline abandons 3 key cities as passengers face shrinking flight choices

American Airlines has dropped flights to three destinations across the U.S., Mexico and the Middle East this year, leaving some travelers with fewer flight options.The airline has discontinued service to Santa Maria, California; Tijuana, Mexico; and Doha, Qatar, according to aviation outlet Simple Flying, which cited data from aviation analytics company Cirium.The cuts have left Santa Maria without service from a major U.S.legacy carrier, while Tijuana lost its only nonstop route operated by a U.S.

airline.FURIOUS CROWDS PROTEST SKY-HIGH HOUSING COSTS AND MASS TOURISM IN MAJOR CITYBy cutting its routes from Phoenix to Santa Maria and Tijuana, American Airlines has exited both destinations.At Santa Maria, Allegiant Air remains the only commercial airline serving the airport, with flights to Las Vegas, according to Simple Flying.American Airlines has discontinued service to three destinations across the U.S., Mexico and the Middle East this year, citing route performance and network changes.(iStock)Meanwhile, Qatar Airways has taken over the Philadelphia-to-Doha route, restoring nonstop service between the two cities after American's departure.Regarding the cancellation of service to Santa Maria, American Airlines said the decision was based on performance.American Airlines operated service to Santa Maria, California, under its American Eagle brand through a partnership with SkyWest Airlines, a spokesperson from the company told local outlet KEYT earlier this year.INNOCENT MISTAKE ON LONG FLIGHT COULD HAVE DEVASTATING CONSEQUENCES FOR TRAVELERS"Unfortunately, flights to SMX did not meet performance expectations, and SkyWest informed American it will discontinue service as of May 7," the official said.In June, American Airlines permanently cut its Philadelphia-to-Doha route after previously suspending flights due to regional hostilities, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer.The route failed to meet performance expectations."As part of an optimization of our network...