Key Points:

  • Delta Air Lines is set to suspend its flight service from Phoenix to New York's LaGuardia Airport starting January 8, 2024, due to network adjustments.

  • The suspension includes another transcontinental route from LaGuardia to Los Angeles, aligning with LaGuardia's perimeter rule limitations.

  • Despite the suspension, Delta maintains its service between Phoenix and JFK Airport, with other airlines offering routes to New York area airports.


Delta Adjusts Network: Phoenix to LaGuardia Route Suspension

Delta Air Lines has announced the suspension of its Phoenix to LaGuardia Airport service, effective January 8, 2024. The airline, through spokesperson Drake Castaneda, explained that this decision is part of their ongoing network evaluation to meet customer needs and optimize resource allocation. Delta expressed regret for any inconvenience caused by this suspension and pledged to assist affected customers with their travel adjustments.

LaGuardia’s Perimeter Rule Influences Route Changes

Delta’s decision to suspend the Phoenix-LaGuardia route is influenced by the perimeter rule at LaGuardia Airport. Established in 1984, this rule limits nonstop flights exceeding 1,500 miles to Saturdays only, with the exception of Denver flights during the week. Delta noted that passenger volumes on the Phoenix-LaGuardia route have historically been lowest on Saturdays, contributing to the decision to suspend the service.

Alternative Flight Options Remain Unaffected

Delta’s suspension of the Phoenix to LaGuardia route does not impact its services between Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. Delta will continue to operate six daily flights between these destinations. Other airlines, including American Airlines, JetBlue Airways, American, Frontier Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and United Airlines, continue to offer nonstop flights connecting Phoenix to the New York area, specifically JFK Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport. While Spirit Airlines is listed as offering nonstop flights between Phoenix and LaGuardia, searches for available flights through May 7, 2024, indicate no such services currently scheduled.