PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — Airport officials in Pierre say new federal guidelines that require co-pilots to have more flying hours have been leading to more cancellations and delays.

KCCR radio reports that 17 of 186 flights were cancelled in October, and 37 out of 174 flights were cancelled in November.

Pierre Regional Airport Manager Mike Isaacs says not all of the cancellations have been related to the new regulations, but those are unusually high numbers.

Great Lakes Airlines, which connects Pierre to both Minneapolis and Denver, has been the city's sole carrier since January 2012, when Delta Airlines pulled out of the community. Company officials could not be reached for comment Wednesday.

Pierre Mayor Laurie Gill says finding an answer to unreliable air service has become the city's top priority.

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