One certainly wonders what happened behind closed doors that prompted this reversal…
In this post:
Delta backtracks on pulling service to New York airport
New York’s Greater Binghamton Airport (BGM) currently has a single commercial route, on Delta Connection, to Detroit (DTW). The short 378-mile flight operates once daily. Recently, Delta announced it would end this route as of February 14, 2026, leaving the airport without commercial service.
Of course no airport or community likes to lose commercial air service, given the economic impact that has. At the same time, if the economics don’t make sense, and if there are no Essential Air Service subsidies, it’s understandable that these kinds of routes don’t last.
Well, just over a week after the route cut was announced, Delta has backtracked on its decision, and plans to maintain this service. There may be a brief gap, but the flights will resume by the spring.
What’s the reason? Well, look no further than the statement from Broome County Executive Jason Garnar, who has thanked Governor Kathy Hochul for “for stepping up and getting Delta Air Lines service restored at the Greater Binghamton Airport.” He went on to state the following:
“This is a big win for our neighbors, our businesses, and everyone who depends on reliable air travel. Governor Hochul has been a true friend to Broome County and the entire Southern Tier, always listening and always delivering when it matters.”
“We also thank Senator Schumer for his leadership and all the folks in our community who rallied together to make this happen. And we’re especially thankful to Delta for believing in our region and bringing this important service back to Broome County. We’re going to keep working hard every single day to bring even more air service home.”
Meanwhile Senator Chuck Schumer has issued the following statement:
“Delta is the only commercial airline in Binghamton, making a world of difference for families and local businesses across the Southern Tier. When I first heard Delta was planning to end service at the Greater Binghamton Airport, I made it clear that this decision to permanently end service at Greater Binghamton Airport would leave thousands of New Yorkers across the region without access to air service and urged them to reconsider.”
Here’s what Governor Kathy Hochul has said:
“I am pleased that Delta has identified available aircraft in order to resume daily service at BGM in the spring. Preserving this flight is a win for the entire Southern Tier, ensuring that this newly modernized airport serves travelers for years to come and that is why I fought so hard to protect this lifeline for workers and businesses in the Binghamton area.”
This route reversal seems a little suspicious, no?
While airlines certainly pander to politicians to get what they want, network planning is supposed to be driven by financial considerations, rather than by soft political power (which isn’t to say that actually happens, but that’s how it should be). I’m not sure if the state or region was suddenly willing to give Delta some sort of incentives to keep this service, or what.
The tone of the statements by politicians and local officials sure makes it sound like Delta reversed course without any incentives, but instead, just due to pressure:
- I don’t think Schumer had to “make it clear” to Delta that ending a route would impact thousands of people, because that’s the case whenever an airline cuts a route
- I love how Governor Hochul states that “Delta has identified available aircraft” to continue operating this route, as if the issue wasn’t lack of profitability
Delta of course has a massive presence in New York, and it’s understandable that the airline doesn’t want to get on the bad side of the state’s most prominent politicians. So I suppose all it took for Delta to reverse course is to have some important people saying “hey, this will impact people.”
While nowhere close to being on the same level (at least based on what we know), this reminds me somewhat of the 2015 scandal that involved former United CEO Jeff Smisek, and ultimately led to his firing. Smisek had cozied up to the head of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ), given United’s huge presence in the region.
The Port Authority executive made it clear that he had a home in Columbia (CAE), where he liked to spend weekends, and fondly remembered how Continental flew there back in the day from Newark (EWR). So United suddenly added that route, specifically timed for him, and in the process, got a lot of upside with the Port Authority.
Now, to be clear, it doesn’t seem that Schumer or Hochul are getting any direct benefit from this, other than looking out for their constituents. And I suppose that’s their job… but still…
Bottom line
Delta planned to end flights to New York’s Greater Binghamton Airport, leaving the airport without commercial service. However, after Governor Hochul and Senator Schumer made it clear what a negative impact this would have on the community, the airline backtracked, and committed to keeping the route.
That strikes me as political pressure, especially given how important of a state New York is for Delta. I’m kind of surprised that United doesn’t suddenly add a route to the airport out of Newark, given Kirby’s tune as of late (though at the moment he’s more into Republicans than Democrats, so…). 😉
What do you make of this Delta route reversal situation?
The tone of the comments is quite interesting.
Trump pressures some company to do something: "Trump's a fascist! He's corrupt! Throw that Nazi in jail!"
Democrats do the same thing: "That's just how politics works".
I'm not saying one is right and the other is wrong, but governors pressuring an airline to keep service is hardly unique to a democrat or republican.
A president using the full might and power of the federal government, to include the investigation by the DOJ or various companies wanting to merge being clearly told they can't unless they do something specific at his direction... that seems unique to this administration.
Or rather, the...
I'm not saying one is right and the other is wrong, but governors pressuring an airline to keep service is hardly unique to a democrat or republican.
A president using the full might and power of the federal government, to include the investigation by the DOJ or various companies wanting to merge being clearly told they can't unless they do something specific at his direction... that seems unique to this administration.
Or rather, the very blatant outwardness and public direction of such, is unique. I'm not suggesting a democrat has never used the government to pressure a company, but this administration is rather unique in doing it so publicly.
Oh please, study history prior to Trump. You think countless Dem presidents were not ruthless, egomaniacal, classist, conniving, etc, etc, etc. Come on... don't be so myopic.
Democrats “abusing” power: unprofitable regional air service route continues operating.
Trump abusing power: taking over a foreign country (soon to be countries), deporting American citizens, allowing masked agents to murder citizens. And a thousand other things.
I put abusing in quotes because every politician of every party acts the same way. One person’s abuse is another person’s “constituent services.”
@Jj
Please identify one, just one US citizen that the Trump admin deported. It never happened. Please stop repeating blatant lies.
Trump executed a warrant for Maduro that Biden issued. Obama/Biden got involved in multiple military engagements without declaring war, seems your memory is very short.
Leftist idiots illegally obstruct enforcing laws (you know, laws, that were democratically passed), threaten law enforcement, instigate, etc, then call it murder when their stupid antics get someone...
@Jj
Please identify one, just one US citizen that the Trump admin deported. It never happened. Please stop repeating blatant lies.
Trump executed a warrant for Maduro that Biden issued. Obama/Biden got involved in multiple military engagements without declaring war, seems your memory is very short.
Leftist idiots illegally obstruct enforcing laws (you know, laws, that were democratically passed), threaten law enforcement, instigate, etc, then call it murder when their stupid antics get someone killed. Weird how conservatives didn't riot when one of your mush brained useful idiots actually murdered him, but a crazy woman runs over an agent and gets rightfully shot.
You people truly are insane.
Please don't become the Candace Owens of the frequent flyer blogs.
We might not like it but this happens everywhere. No matter how small the region, someone loses big when service gets cut. And they lobby the county commissioners who lobby up the chain. Every time a route gets cut, I promise the same thing happened, it’s just someone in the chain failed to successfully lobby whoever was above them.
Also, while some service is better than no service, I imagine fares were obscenely high with delta having the monopoly.
this is bananas. Syracuse is less than 50 miles away on an interstate and has many ultra and low cost airlines plus alll the big guys. Elmira and Scranton are similarly close, on interstates, with ultra low cost and the majors. Binghamton built a brand new, expensive terminal with a high cost per enplanement.
How long can Delta continue to throw good money after bad? With the flight averages 50-60% full year round.
Plus, the...
this is bananas. Syracuse is less than 50 miles away on an interstate and has many ultra and low cost airlines plus alll the big guys. Elmira and Scranton are similarly close, on interstates, with ultra low cost and the majors. Binghamton built a brand new, expensive terminal with a high cost per enplanement.
How long can Delta continue to throw good money after bad? With the flight averages 50-60% full year round.
Plus, the airport wasted its DOT grant on Avelo service, when the grant was meant for DC service
you mean the interstate that's why under construction and will be suboptimal for st least the next few years?
NY politicians are going to look out for their voters interest. Makes sense for Delta to get along with NY politicians whem they have a hub at LGA/JFK. Cutting a Delta connection flight isn't worth the cost of losing political capital.
If you were going to name five cities where people in Binghamton might want to fly, where would you put Detroit? Is it just a connection point for other Midwest and West Coast destinations? No one in Binghamton wants to visit Florida? I did learn that the Binghamton region is famous for its six historic carousels, earning it the nickname "Carousel Capital of the World". Reminds me of the Drew Pearson column, "Washington Merry-Go-Round."
Businesses make decisions based on politics all the time. Nothing to see here.
Why fly all the way to DTW? NYC airports are much closer (and arguably, where more people probably want to go), and connects to more places. Is there some specific industrial connection between that part of update NY and Detroit?
Delta tried BGM-LGA immediately after COVID; it did worse than DTW. DTW averages 55% full.
Compare NYC landing fees with DTW.
It would be interesting to see how full this flight will continue to be. This region continues to decline both in population and economy. There’s no question that this flight is being subsidized (indirectly) by the taxpayers, which is not necessarily bad. However, the viability of a commercial airport in Binghamton may never materialize, regardless of what Delta decided to do this time.
according to DOT data, DL's regional airlines carried about 40 passengers/flight in the 12 months ending Oct 2025 so it is probably not profitable for DL.
There are lots of small airports in the US that have 2 or fewer commercial flights/day that are not subsidized at least through EAS. No state wants to lose air service to a rural area and sometimes it is the last carrier that has to remain even if...
according to DOT data, DL's regional airlines carried about 40 passengers/flight in the 12 months ending Oct 2025 so it is probably not profitable for DL.
There are lots of small airports in the US that have 2 or fewer commercial flights/day that are not subsidized at least through EAS. No state wants to lose air service to a rural area and sometimes it is the last carrier that has to remain even if very infrequent service. DL doesn't even fly daily to BGM this time of year.
BGM has apparently not qualified for EAS service and probably would not because it is within 90 minutes to SYR and AVP.
And the population of Broome County has been stable this century but the area was much more industrialized in the past so there is a lot less money.
SUNY Binghampton can support a daily flight with students, professors, and researchers. It is an E175, not a 777 you need to fill daily.
Not suspicious. This is what elected representatives are supposed to do. It's in the public interest for DL to continue flying and New York's elected representatives ensured that stayed the case. Good constituent service.
They'll have offered them a subsidy to keep operating. Easy.
Not really sure what’s more political and worse, this sort of thing or the way the rest of us pay for eas service in far less deserving cities in the lower 48 (I get Alaska eas).
It’s maddening that our tax dollars go to a city like LNS because a 20 minute drive to MDT is too much to expect from anyone
I have to agree with this, Max.
we have finally found our happy place together
I always knew it was possible because I know you are relevant when you are focused on issues and not people.
here's to a great 2026!
If they want to subsidize something, subsidize the turnpike.
It's nice to see Delta on the receiving end of political pressure for a change. Their lobbyists in Washington and Atlanta seem to have carte blanche whenever they want something. Now they get a taste of what they deliver and they don't like it. Just remember this, Ed: Georgia has two Democratic senators, and Chuck and Kathy may have given them some boost and some interesting ideas.
And their 'lobbyist' on all the blogs... *cough* ...is quite persistent. Keep Climbing, Tim!
if operating a single RJ flight is the extent of the political favors DL has to offer, DL isn't spending a whole lot on "political favors" - which might be what you reall object to.
The real irony of all of this is that DTW, one of DL's very profitable interior US hubs, is the last hub that serves BGM while other airlines like AA and UA can't even support ORD service not just to...
if operating a single RJ flight is the extent of the political favors DL has to offer, DL isn't spending a whole lot on "political favors" - which might be what you reall object to.
The real irony of all of this is that DTW, one of DL's very profitable interior US hubs, is the last hub that serves BGM while other airlines like AA and UA can't even support ORD service not just to BGM but also ITH and ELM
If Hochul really wanted to win big, she would get AA to start service to ORD and then she would have UA in there flying 777s just because UA can't afford to give up share.
But we know that UA is really the 4th largest airline in the domestic market and they are more interested in dumping capacity to markets that other airlines already serve to try to force out competitors than to build a viable, long-term sustainable domestic network across the entire US.
THAT is why UA's 3rd quarter domestic revenue performance was the worst in the industry.
Total bull****. You simplistic hate is obvious.
Kathy Hochul is running for re-election against a viable opponent.
Binghamton has a Republican mayor which makes this purely political.
"Nice airline ya got there, shame if it lost access to blah blah blah, shame if the hearing on blah blah blah didn't go your way...
OR
"Nice little airport ya got there. shame if nobody flew to it"
I'm shocked! Shocked!
Forgive me, I know this story has nothing to do with the President, I'm not suggesting it does, but I can't help imagining my quoted lines above in the President's voice LOL.
Corporations run by cucked men. If you want an airport nearby to fly then move to a city that has airport service.
This is a bad take.
highly unlikely (but wishful thinking)...maybe this was in exchange for considering easing up on the LGA perimeter rule?
Interesting. I've noticed more and more flights to unusual places from LGA. Like, used to just be that DEN exception, then Saturdays opened up. I wish BA would bring back the A318 'Baby Bus' with all-business 2-2 lie-flat for the exclusive LCY-(SNN)-JFK route, again, but, fly into LGA, because, SNN already has pre-clearance. That'd be super-cool to me.
The BA A318 didn’t have the range to reach LGA non-stop and has already been scrapped anyway. But yes, it would be great.
If there were an aircraft that would be used for LCY to NYC nonstop, it would be the A220 and DL happens to fly it. They don't seem interested in configuring it with about 50 business class seats which would probably be what it takes make the flight operationally possible.
as for the different places that DL is adding, there is demand from just about anywhere in the country to NYC - it is just...
If there were an aircraft that would be used for LCY to NYC nonstop, it would be the A220 and DL happens to fly it. They don't seem interested in configuring it with about 50 business class seats which would probably be what it takes make the flight operationally possible.
as for the different places that DL is adding, there is demand from just about anywhere in the country to NYC - it is just a matter of how much and if DL can connect these small cities to create some hub connectivity at LGA.
as I noted before and sw suggests, I think the real issue is the perimeter restriction at LGA. DL has sued the Port Authority to get it repealed and lost. There is no justification for keeping it given that all 3 NYC airports are full.
With UA wanting to get back into JFK, they would walk away from doing so if they could fly LGA to the west coast; they have enough slots but would have to thin their service to other hubs; they operate hourly weekday service on LGA-ORD but some of the flights are on RJs and mainline flights are not even on 739s or A321s. UA also has RJ service to IAH.
and it is still anyone's guess if B6 actually goes through w/ a slot deal w/ UA which would certainly make UA a competitor on some of B6' highest value routes.
It will certainly be interesting to see how NYC aviation looks in 5 years but no one should underestimate DL's ability and legally be at the top of the industry in NYC and keep putting distance between itself and the competition.
highly unlikely (but wishful thinking)...maybe this was in exchange for considering easing up on the LGA perimeter rule?
Good. Need to visit Binghamton's minor league baseball team (Rumble Ponies) and driving does not sound appealing
Fly to SYR with plenty of service and discount carriers and it’s 50 interstate miles away.
It is more telling that DL serves cities in NY state that no other airline is willing to touch.
and, no, it is in no way comparable to the CO/UA CAE incident which was a bribe plain and simple.
It should also be obvious that DL is willing to consider a single day flight that probably doesn't make money BUT EXPECTS SOMETHING IN RETURN.
suppose a few people could put their thinking caps on and...
It is more telling that DL serves cities in NY state that no other airline is willing to touch.
and, no, it is in no way comparable to the CO/UA CAE incident which was a bribe plain and simple.
It should also be obvious that DL is willing to consider a single day flight that probably doesn't make money BUT EXPECTS SOMETHING IN RETURN.
suppose a few people could put their thinking caps on and figure out what DL wants that they don't already have or could keep with business as usual?
Just off the top of my head, I could easily see DL asking Schumer and Hochul to put a little pressure on the Port Authority to relax the LGA perimeter restriction.
LGA is nearing the end of a massive rebuilding process, DL is the largest slot holder at LGA, UA wants to come back to JFK but could easily do what it says it wants while DL could gain even further advantage over B6 which is hanging by a thread at JFK.
yeah, DL wants something from NY leaders for keeping a single daily flight to BGM.
Can't wait for the new JFK T1 and T6/7 to finally be finished. How United fits into all that will be interesting, for sure. Once completed, it could end up being the most egalitarian airport in the country, between the various alliances at the 4 mega-terminals. Circle-back in 2030!
I agree with Tim, who is always knowledgeable on such things.
Boring…economics vs politics. Too easy to spend tax payer dollars
The post does not mention the state and local government spent $54 million 2 years ago rebuilding the airport. That's lots of money for a small airport in an economically depressed area.
There's always money for marginal consituencies.
Sorry! I mean "depressed areas".
For Avelo service that’s long gone.
Delta operates in a highly regulated industry.
NY and NJ governors have veto authority authority over decisions of the Port Authority.
Gov. Hochul isn't stupid and neither is Delta. Some low level person at Delta made a shortsighted decision without considering the ramifications.
Great constituent service.
Low level employees don’t make decisions to evacuate a market. Get real.
Hochul is a world class dummy.
So what were the loads? If the service is so essential to Schumer's constituents, you'd think they would be filling more than 50 seats a day. The problem with these small airport service commitments is that the accommodating airline usually throws the community one flight a day to an airport with little in the way of connecting opportunities. The flight is just a simple turn, so there is no opportunity for time of day selections....
So what were the loads? If the service is so essential to Schumer's constituents, you'd think they would be filling more than 50 seats a day. The problem with these small airport service commitments is that the accommodating airline usually throws the community one flight a day to an airport with little in the way of connecting opportunities. The flight is just a simple turn, so there is no opportunity for time of day selections. I know nothing about Binghamton's market, but if they truly need and would support air service, there ought to be at least two flights a day to a connecting hub with flights to a broad array of destinations. Anything else is just window dressing to impress politicians who like to take credit for forcing an airline to put a symbolic but ineffective flight into an airport that can't possibly make it profitable.
That's the point. How can this be devastating to the region if they don't fill the one plane a day?
It is less than 50miles from two small-hub airports (Syracuse and Scranton), both with ample ULCC, LCC and network airline service. Elmira, NY is 30 miles way with three delta flights to detroit plus Allegiant to Florida. ithaca is to the north as well, with twice daily jfk flights and twice daily DC flights on delta and united.
BGM to Detroit averages only 50-60% full.
How long can Delta stay in this when...
It is less than 50miles from two small-hub airports (Syracuse and Scranton), both with ample ULCC, LCC and network airline service. Elmira, NY is 30 miles way with three delta flights to detroit plus Allegiant to Florida. ithaca is to the north as well, with twice daily jfk flights and twice daily DC flights on delta and united.
BGM to Detroit averages only 50-60% full.
How long can Delta stay in this when it serves all the area's airports? 12 months? If i were a corporate traveler, I would fly from Elmira or Syracuse.
BGM also just built a large new terminal and spent its SCASD grant on Avelo, when the grant was won for more likely sustainable DC service cause lockheed is in the area
Uh, DTW is a hub. Try again.
And Tim keeps saying Delta decisions are a for profit company driven.
And Delta will soon be serving... the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia... because... 'demand'...
They are. Keeping this RJ flight may help Delta with its construction and slot needs at LGA/JFK with the PA.
Psh. Compared to Tammany Hall, they're still weak AF. I wish Hochul and Schumer would stand up for their constituents on far more significant issues that actually matter to New Yorkers.
I wouldn't call it political pressure.
It's realizing that they didn't consider all the relevant factors when making their original route decision.
It's not a shakedown. It's a Revelatory Proposal.
The New York State Legislature meets part-time from January to June. I imagine there will be a bill with some subsidy for Delta passed before DL resumes service to Binghamton.
No one wants to be in Albany during the winter anyway.
Delta is the best airline in the world and is perfect at everything so there is no chance that anything untoward or inappropriate has happened here. Most likely this was all part of Delta’s superior business planning.
“Is perfect at everything”???? Lol
Better than most, Julio.
Perhaps DL was reminded of the numerous bailouts they have received over the years and were asked to maintain this route to serve the community whose tax dollars paid to keep DL alive in the past.
Feel free to list them,Joie. Take your hate elsewhere.
The difference is that Schumer and Hochul don’t seem to be getting any personal benefit from this, as opposed to the PANY guy. And if you think that politics doesn’t affect route decisions all the time, well, I’ve got an NY bridge to sell you.
Yes!
Ben’s surprisingly naive here.
Total, the idiom is "I have a bridge in Brooklyn to sell you," but I get your point. Comes from George C. Parker, a notorious con man. He also tried to sell the Statue of Liberty to gullible newcomers. He was convicted of fraud and served time at Sing Sing.
Hochul is running for re-election against a legitimate challenger in Bruce Blakeman.
Chuckles may see AOC in the primary.
Binghamton has a Republican mayor.
While there is no personal enrichment there certainly is political benefit.
Delta leaving BGM was especially bad PR for the area, since they just recently finished a $54 million renovation of the airport. I live in the area and what’s crazy is that most people in this area prefer to drive an hour to Syracuse, Elmira, or Scranton since they offer more destinations and frequencies anyways.