ATLANTA (AP):
SOME MAJOR carriers have cancelled flights to the New Orleans and Gulfport, Mississippi, airports _ popular destinations for tourists, convention participants and gamblers - until at least next week, increasing financial pressure for the airlines as they also deal with potential fuel shortages.
Daily jet fuel production nationwide has been cut 13 percent because of damage from the hurricane to Gulf Coast refineries, according to Jack Evans of the Air Transport Association.
"What it means is there is less fuel essentially," Evans said yesterday. "Carriers are having to take measures to conserve fuel at airports where they are low and when serving some destinations on the East Coast."
Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines Inc., the third largest U.S. carrier, has cancelled all flights into and out of the New Orleans and Gulfport airports through Monday, spokeswoman Chris Kelly said. As for fuel, Delta is working closely with suppliers to make sure contingency plans are in place to deal with any potential shortages, Kelly said.
AMR Corp. unit American Airlines, the biggest U.S. carrier, cancelled 34 flights in and out of New Orleans on Wednesday. Spokesman Tim Smith said the Fort Worth, Texas-based carrier doesn't expect to resume scheduled flights there until next Tuesday at the earliest.
Houston-based Continental Airlines Inc. and its Continental Express commuter service cancelled 40 flights on Wednesday and a similar number for Thursday in and out of New Orleans and Gulfport, Miss., said spokeswoman Julie King.
King said Continental was not having trouble finding fuel and could carry extra fuel aboard planes if shortages develop.
No. 2 U.S. carrier United Airlines, which was still updating flight cancellation numbers Wednesday, does not expect a significant financial impact, spokeswoman Jean Medina said. United does not serve the Gulfport airport.
"Right now, we are focused on assisting our customers and employees in those areas," Medina said.
Asked about potential fuel shortages, Medina said, "We are assessing the situation, and working closely with our suppliers."
