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American Stops EVV-to-Chicago Flights Amid Pilot Shortage

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United ended its Chicago flights permanently in November

The remaining flight service between Evansville and Chicago has been put on hold. WNIN's Sarah Kuper reports what economic development and airport officials are saying about the halt of American Airlines service to Chicago.

It was just a few months ago that United airlines pulled its Evansville to Chicago flights and now American Airlines is following suit.

After sending out flight change and cancellation emails, the airline will cease to take tri-state travelers to the windy city as a destination or a connection in early March.

Evansville Regional Economic Partnership president Greg Wathen cites staffing shortages as one reason the service will not continue.

In an email exchange, he says many communities including Evansville are being impacted by the ability to find pilots.

Airport executive director Nate Hahn says while American Airlines has stopped their service to Chicago, it is not necessarily gone for good. While the pause leaves locals with no Chicago transfer options, American Airlines announced in February that daily flight service to Dallas is increasing with more flights in bigger planes.