KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — United Airlines will continue to provide services in Kalamazoo through the Kalamazoo-Battle Creek International Airport while the COVID-19 pandemic is ongoing.
Aviation Pros and WWMT both reported Monday that a request for exemption to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) was denied by the Federal Aviation Administration over the weekend.
The airline must maintain operations since it is a recipient of the emergency funding as an essential service.
United was requesting exemption in 22 markets including Kalamazoo, citing the proximity of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids as their reasoning. The airline said it would be a more efficient use of flights by having it go out of one airport.
The request for Kalamazoo was ultimately denied, however, seven markets were approved for the suspension of services.
Meanwhile, MLive is reporting that rates of flight are down around 94% of the usual passengers.
