AirTran pulls out of SRQ

Effective Aug. 12, AirTran, a Southwest-owned company will cease operations in SRQ. Operations will also stop in Allentown, Pa., Lexington, Ky., Harrisburg, Pa., Huntsville, Ala., and White Plains, N.Y.

"The airline industry continues to face many challenges, including significantly higher fuel costs," said Southwest Airlines Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer and AirTran Airways President Bob Jordan.

Prior to the decision, representatives of SRQ visited Southwest headquarters to present their case for continued service. 

According to a Facebook post, the health of the airport remains solid.

Contact Eddie Kirsch at [email protected].