The bankruptcy of American Airlines will mean less air service for the Virgin Islands.
The airline's subsidiary, American Eagle, plans to suspend operations at the San Juan airport potentially halting round trips daily to St. Thomas and St. Croix, according to the Associated Press.
Confirmation of the cutback came via the St. John Source. Allegra-Kean Moorehead, spokeswoman for the Tourism Department, said, "It's definitely concerning," she said.
An American Airlines spokeswoman told the Source, the airline is weighing "several replacement solutions to continue to provide service to the region." That could mean AA would partner with another airline.
The reduction would likely occur as American returns leased aircraft used on the route, part of the strategy to reduce financial obligations and reorganize in bankruptcy.
Three other airlines provide service between Puerto Rico and the VI's: Jet Blue, Cape Air and Seaborne Airlines. The Source quoted Richard Doumeng, a resort executive active in the hotel association, worrying airfares could go up if American Eagle departs.
At the moment, Expedia shows American is selling round trips on the route, for November, for $91.