The Courier-Journal reported yesterday in this article that two years after Delta launched Simplifares, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport is the most expensive airport from which to fly.
From 600 flights a day last fall to 430 this summer, the amount of available seats are fewer, and the amount of lower fare seats are fewer. With Delta having 80% of the Cincinnati Market share, it sets the trend in fares.
Furthermore, with Delta’s financial issues, as well as its hub-building at New York’s JFK airport to feed its expanding international service, and its expansion at LAX as well, many predict the number of flights at CVG will continue to fall.
As the Cincinnati/Kentucky Enquirer reports here, Cincinnati will resume its attempts to lure low-cost carriers in order to reduce Delta’s dominance.
Jetblue, the popular Northeast low-fare carrier, has recently been focusing on mid-sized cities and underserved routes, including nearby Columbus. Jetblue is clearly not interested in starting a fare war at Cincinnati, although with Delta currently in reorganization, their ability to wage such a war is limited.
County officials have proposed launching bus service to other airports within two hours of Cincinnati: Dayton, Columbus, Lexington, Louisville and Indianapolis. However, that seems rather extreme as there is clearly more demand in Cincinnati than these other cities…although they all have lower fare service.
We heard a recent story in which an individual travelling to Ft. Lauderdale for a funeral had to drive to Dayton and connect rather than fly from Cincinnati because of an over $400 price difference.
We wish airport officials the best of luck in attracting competition to Cincinnati.