03.29.23

Durbin, Duckworth, Budzinski Urge United Airlines To Reconsider Decision To Halt Service At Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport In Springfield

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and U.S. Representative Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13), as well as Mayor of Springfield, Illinois, Jim Langfelder, today spoke by phone with Scott Kirby, CEO of United Airlines, about the company’s decision to cancel service at Springfield’s Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport beginning in June.  On the call, the lawmakers urged United Airlines to reconsider the decision.

“It’s disappointing to hear that United Airlines, our home state airline, will halt service to Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport.  Today, I pressed United’s CEO Scott Kirby to reverse the service cancellation,” said Durbin.  “Even in the wake of this decision, I am confident that Springfield’s airport will continue to serve as a critical connection for residents and businesses in the heart of Illinois, and I will keep advocating for the needs of Illinois’ regional airports.”

“It’s disappointing that an Illinois-based airline will no longer serve our state’s capital,” said Duckworth. “Today’s discussion was a chance for me to ask United CEO Scott Kirby how this decision to leave SPI will not only impact central Illinoisans’ ability to travel, but also Springfield’s economy and jobs throughout the region. I’ll keep working to ensure Illinoisans across our state have access to the transportation they need and I’ll keep working to help SPI grow and remain competitive.”

“Regional airports provide essential travel options for families and businesses in Downstate Illinois.  I’m very disappointed in United Airlines’ decision to end service at Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport – and I made that very clear in today’s call with their CEO, Scott Kirby,” said Budzinski.“I’ll be working in tandem with Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth to find ways to support the airport and travel options that my constituents rely on every day.”    

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