Fuel costs could nip flights at 3 Indiana airports

Airports in Evansville, Fort Wayne and South Bend are in danger of losing air service due to the rising cost of aviation fuel, says a study released yesterday by a consumer group.

The Business Travel Coalition, which advocates for lower business-travel costs, today planned to discuss the 50 regional airports identified in its study during testimony before a U.S. House Small Business Committee hearing.

Spokespersons for airlines and airports including Fort Wayne International Airport have said the study is alarmist.

Criteria for inclusion on the list included the airports’ proximity to other airports, impact of proposed airline mergers, previous fluctuations in air service, and mix of leisure and business travel.

Loss of air service would hurt local economies due to losing a form of transportation to other areas, the coalition said.