Elite Airways nixes plans for Rochester service
Elite Airways is scrapping plans to add nonstop service from Rochester International Airport to Florida and Arizona.
The airline cited low bookings as the reason for the cancellation.
“It is unfortunate Elite Airways has made a decision to no longer bring service to the Rochester market” said John Reed, executive director of Rochester International Airport. “We share in the community’s disappointment that this new air service was cancelled.”
Elite Airways had announced in May that it would bring twice-weekly direct service from Rochester to St. Augustine and Phoenix. The company initially planned to get service off the ground in July, but then pushed back the launch to October. Flights were set at $299 each way.
The Rochester airport is currently served by three airlines — American, United and Delta — that together provide 13 nonstop flights each day to airports in Atlanta, Chicago and Minneapolis.
Despite the loss of Elite Airways, Reed remained confident there are still opportunities to continue growing the number of flights out of RST. Year-to-date, the airport is reporting a 45 percent growth in passengers.
“We thank our community for understanding the importance of choosing to Fly Local and supporting RST,” Reed said in an announcement Wednesday. “We will continue working on recruiting airlines and routes that serve the needs of our residents and visitors.”
Elite Airways will issue refunds to any impacted travelers. Elite Airways customer service can be reached at 877-393-2510.
