LAS CRUCES – The City of Las Cruces announced it will discontinue Advanced Air’s subsidized passenger service between Las Cruces International Airport and Albuquerque beginning June 30, citing the exhaustion of available local and state funding.
According to the city, the route has operated since January 2023 with support from the state’s Rural Air Service Enhancement program and City of Las Cruces funds. During that time, Advanced Air received approximately $5 million in state subsidies and about $600,000 in city funding.
City officials said the service currently costs approximately $130,000 per month while averaging about six passengers per flight.
The city said ongoing budget pressures and the need to prioritize essential services contributed to the decision to end the subsidy-supported route.
To extend remaining funds through the end of June, service has been reduced to two round trips per week. City officials said they are pursuing a new Rural Air Service Enhancement grant application ahead of the June 30 deadline and are exploring additional funding opportunities that could allow service to resume in the future.
If service returns, the city said it hopes to pursue flights to Phoenix using larger aircraft and a more sustainable operating model.
The City of Las Cruces said it recognizes the impact the change may have on travelers and thanked passengers for their patience and understanding during the transition.
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