America West's Columbus Hub Fell From 46-49 Daily Departures To Just 4 After Doug Parker Cut 90% Of Flying
The defunct carrier's dramatic closure of its Columbus hub foreshadowed the collapse of smaller connecting hubs across the US.
By Paul HartleyZimbabwe
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In February 2003, America West Airlines announced a dramatic restructuring of its hub at Port Columbus International Airport (CMH), reducing operations from 49 daily departures serving 15 destinations to just four daily flights. The decision, made under CEO Doug Parker, eliminated more than 90% of the airline's Columbus flying, ended its regional-jet operation, and according to the Midland Report-Telegram, reduced its local workforce from 400 to just 65 employees.
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About this article
- Length
- 70 words · 1 min read
- Published
- October 26, 2026
- Byline
- Paul Hartley
- Source
- Simple Flying