Las Cruces Airport Ends Advanced Air Flights to Albuquerque Due to Budget Cuts

The City of Las Cruces has announced the discontinuation of Advanced Air's flights to Albuquerque International Sunport effective June 30, 2023. This decision follows the depletion of funding from the Rural Air Service Enhancement (RASE) grant, which has been crucial for maintaining the route. Currently, flights have an average of six passengers each, making the route financially unsustainable at a cost of $130,000 per month. The city is seeking a new RASE grant before the deadline and is considering future service to Phoenix if costs can be managed. This change affects travelers relying on this route for connections to Albuquerque.

Key Details: • Advanced Air flights to Albuquerque will end on June 30, 2023. • Current flights are reduced to two round trips per week for June. • Las Cruces has invested $5 million in state subsidies and $600,000 in local funds since January 2023. • The city is applying for a new RASE grant before the June 30 deadline. • Future service to Phoenix is being considered if costs allow.