Huron Likely to Lose Commercial Air Service in September

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — Huron is likely to become the latest South Dakota city to lose commercial airline service in September, as new regulations requiring pilots to have at least 1,500 hours of service continue to stress small air carriers.

The U.S. Department of Transportation has asked Huron to justify why it should not be dropped from the Essential Air Service program, which provides subsidies to small airlines so they can maintain flights in rural communities.

Huron is served by Great Lakes Airlines, and the subsidy paid to the carrier is not supposed to exceed $1,000 per passenger. Huron's drop to 1,920 passengers last fiscal year drove the number up to $1,302.

Airport Director Larry Cooper says the 1,500-hour rule led to more cancellations and delays, which drove up the figure.

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