American to Exit Airport After Less Than a Year

Flights are slated to end in May.

American Eagle E175
An American Eagle E175. (Photo: Shutterstock | Ryken Papy)
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • American Airlines is discontinuing its American Eagle service to Santa Maria, California (SMX) starting May 7.
  • The route, operated by SkyWest Airlines and connecting to American's Phoenix hub, is being cut due to not meeting performance expectations.
  • American's departure leaves Santa Maria with only Allegiant service to Las Vegas.
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American’s footprint on California’s Central Coast is set to shrink following a brief run in one of its newer regional markets.

The Fort Worth-based airline confirmed it will discontinue service to Santa Maria, California, on May 7. The flights were operated under the American Eagle banner by SkyWest and connected the city with American’s Phoenix hub.

The route first launched in October 2025. American’s exit from the market was published in Saturday’s Cirium Diio schedule update.

In a statement, an American spokesperson said the market fell short of expectations.

“Service to Santa Maria, California (SMX) operated under the American Eagle banner in partnership with SkyWest Airlines,” the spokesperson said. “Unfortunately, flights to SMX did not meet performance expectations and SkyWest informed American it will discontinue service as of May 7. We will proactively reach out to impacted customers with alternate travel arrangements or a refund in line with American’s customer-friendly policies.”

American’s exit leaves Santa Maria with Allegiant service to Las Vegas.

Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com in February 2013 and has spent more than a decade covering the airline business. His work has been featured by CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. His aviation experience spans airport operations, Part 135 regulatory compliance, and airline crew workforce planning, along with time behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 and interviews with airline executives. Ryan now serves as Group President of Firecrown Media’s Aviation Group. He holds a B.S. in Air Transportation Management and an MBA from Arizona State University and teaches Airline Management at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
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