BY JEFF CHUDZINSKI
North Country This Week

OGDENSBURG – With the announcement that SkyWest will pull out of Ogdensburg airport, the North Country is left waiting to see what company will touchdown there to replace them when they leave.

Under regulations from the Essential Air Service agreements, SkyWest is legally obligated to continue service until a replacement is found.

The agreements also obligate the company to provide 90 days notice before terminating service.

SkyWest’s pending departure leaves only one stable air service providing flights out of the North Country – Boutique Air in Massena.

Congresswoman Elise Stefanik played a critical role in bringing SkyWest to the Ogdensburg airport and continues to be involved as SkyWest makes plans to pull out.

The decision was announced on Jan. 12 that SkyWest would end service at Ogdensburg airport. Stefanik said she immediately took action upon the announcement.

“I reached out immediately to SkyWest, as well as the Department of Transportation and FAA to find a solution quickly for Ogdensburg,” Stefanik said in a recent interview with NCTW.

Stefanik said she knows the value of the flights, having taken many herself to both Ogdensburg and Plattsburgh. SkyWest also announced on Jan. 12 they would end service to Plattsburgh in 90 days as well.

Stefanik said discussions have already started to find replacements for both Ogdensburg and Plattsburgh.

“Community feedback is absolutely essential and I have already heard from a large number of constituents regarding their concerns. Once the DOT has compiled a list of viable alternatives, community feedback will be essential. Once the communities have voiced their support, I will step in to ensure we bring the best air service possible to the North Country,” Stefanik said.

The effects of COVID-19 have played a critical role at the airport as well, Stefanik said.

“Being closed for 22 months has exacerbated an already difficult time for the North Country. That is exactly why I fought so hard for the families and businesses of the North Country, to reopen the border and bring Canadians back to the area. Our local businesses rely on the support of our neighbors and the airport especially, it can’t be understated,” Stefanik said.

Staffing shortages have also played a huge role in the downturn of air travel, with more than 2,200 flights canceled nationwide after the start of the New Year.

Staffing also played a critical role in local air services, with Boutique Air recently announcing a change in scheduling to one plane handling all flights daily, citing crew and pilot limitations.

“We need to incentivize people to go back to work. Extended unemployment benefits have only hurt local businesses and the economy as a whole. It is definitely a crisis and one that has disproportionately affected the North Country. We are aware of the staffing issues and are working on solutions but unconstitutional mask mandates from President Biden, some that have been struck down by the Supreme Court, have only made matters worse,” Stefanik said.

Stefanik said she and Congressional Republicans have worked on bipartisan solutions like direct Federal aid to assist air service and the EAS in particular.

“We need to do more to assist right now, these are critical airports to the North Country and we need to ensure they have the best possible services,” Stefanik said.

Air travel has been difficult for families, between COVID restrictions, rising case numbers and the shear cost, Stefanik said.

“Families can’t afford it right now, inflation is out of control and needs to be addressed. It is the worst it has been in over 40 years, since before I was even born. We need a balanced budget, that is the first step to fighting inflation,” Stefanik said.

She said Democratic spending has gone out of control, in particular the Build Back Better Plan that appears destined for the scrap heap following a recent vote in the Senate that saw only 48 Senators support the bill.

“Democrats keep pushing for higher taxes to cover the spending. We have supply chain and labor issues and a weaker economy than we did under President Trump. The response from Democrats to raise taxes shows just how out of touch with voters they are,” Stefanik said.

One thing is certain; SkyWest will continue service until an alternative air service is found.

“Despite everything, I am confident we can find a viable solution for the North Country and Ogdensburg airport in particular. We had a number of applicants before and I know the DOT and FAA will ensure we find the best possible service for years to come,” Stefanik said.

Cape Air recently announced a four-year EAS contract with Adirondack Regional Airport to provide three daily flights to Boston.