American Airlines says “see you later” to Santa Maria, California.
He unmundo alliance The airline will end twice-daily service to Santa Maria Public Airport (SMX) on California’s central coast from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) on May 7, scheduling data from aviation analytics firm Cirium shows and American confirms. Flights to SMX started in October 2025.
The route was the only one American Airlines flew from SMX, meaning it will leave the airport entirely.
“Unfortunately, flights to SMX did not meet performance expectations and SkyWest [Airlines] informed American that it will suspend service effective May 7,” an American spokesperson said. “We will proactively contact affected customers with alternative travel arrangements or a refund in accordance with American’s customer-friendly policies.”
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SMX was part of American’s strategy to test underserved or unserved airports in the US. Since 2023, the airline has added at least four such destinations, including McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD) near Carlsbad, California, Provo Airport (PVU) in Utah and Vero Beach Regional Airport (VRB) in Floridashow Cirium schedules.
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American continues to serve CLD, PVU and VRB.
For SMX travelers, American’s departure will leave the airport with only one airline. Allegiant Air continues to offer nonstop flights to Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas.
One reason American, America’s largest domestic airline, can test these smaller cities is its pilot contracts. Compared to its main competitors, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines, it can hire affiliates to fly smaller planes, particularly those in the popular 76-seat category.
However, more small planes do not help American meet its intercontinental needs. The airline will suspend several long-haul routes this winter while its fleet of 20 Boeing 777-300ERs are modernized with its new flagship on board.
Routes that American will suspend this winter include Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) to Rome Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport (FCO), Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) to Frankfurt Airport (FRA) and Miami International Airport (MIA) to Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), the airline said.
Other long-haul routes will see fewer flights, and some will switch from twin-aisle aircraft, such as the Boeing 777 or 787, to American’s new single-aisle long-haul aircraft, the Airbus A321XLR.
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