Why such few flights to Hawaii so suddenly?

Question

ATA and Aloha Airlines got bankrupt, so their flights from the mainland to the islands were all removed

Chicago's direct UA flight to Maui currently operates daily, but will begin operating on Saturdays only in the future (that's about 54 times less as many flights)

Chicago is soon ending their direct service from ORD to Honolulu (January 2009). They ended their direct service from ORD to OGG (Maui) 2 years ago

St. Louis used to have service to Hawaii on AA

Hawaii is a VERY popular travel destination for people in the Midwest

Why do LAX and SFO seem to be the only US cities that provide nonstop service. I know they're closer, but, with such a demand for flights to Hawaii, why are other cities providing less and less service?

Flight fares have skyrocketed as well and the plane equipment they use is getting smaller.

Answer 1

With fuel being so high, airlines are cutting flights so maybe having everyone congregate at a west coast airport will allow the airline to maximize the number of passengers on each flight.  After all, it would make no sense for people on the west coast to fly to the Midwest and then fly out to Hawaii.

With the economy being down and ticket prices going up, fewer people are flying and taking vacation.  Therefore airlines have to cut flights as well.  

I think United flies from San Diego to Honolulu and I am not sure if Northwest still does the Anchorage to Honolulu route.

Answer 2

There are probably fewer people flying to Hawaii than there used to be.  Reasons vary, but one determining factor would be that it is getting extremely expensive over there, for condo rentals, food, gasoline and so on due to the high costs of shipping products that distance.  Compare rental rates over the last five or so years and you'll see that they have been constantly creeping up.  One other note - there are at least two airlines that you didn't mention, that fly non-stop, out of Seattle - Alaska, starting this summer, using 737s and Hawaiian, using 767s.  So we have LAX, SFO and SEA - all on the West Coast.  Hmmm!  Could the proximity to the islands from that coast have something to do with the airlines' decision??

Answer 3

rising gas costs?