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Aug 6, 2008 5:10 pm US/Central
Fewer Flights Could Lead To Higher Fees At DFW
DFW AIRPORT (CBS 11 News) ―
Soaring gas prices and sagging traveler numbers are not just hurting airlines, they're hurting airports.
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport leaders said Wednesday they may have to raise airline fees to make up for fewer flights landing at the airport. And some flyers are already fed up with the extra expenses.
"I didn't prepare for them," said Dawn Green, who was traveling from Illinois to Texas. She was stunned that she had to pay to check both of her bags. "So then I get here and it takes away from anything else I might want to have spent that money on."
While DFW Airport leaders say reports that a terminal will close are exaggerated, they admit they are searching for ways to earn back millions of lost dollars.
If the airport has to come up with money it could mean a raise in fees for the airlines – an increase that could be passed on to passenger ticket prices.
American Airlines is about 80-percent of DFW Airport's business and they're cutting 42 flights. The airport makes money by charging for each plane that lands and overall flights are down 7-percent. That means DFW is trying to make up for a $12 million shortfall.
The airport may raise landing fees for half a year, tap into natural gas revenues or close off unused portions of some terminals. Whatever the solution the airport and industry are facing a very serious situation.
"These are difficult times for the providers," said Fort Worth mayor and airport board member Mike Moncrief. He compared the airline industry's current financial situation to the one that existed following 9/11. "Some have said to me that this makes 9/11 look minor compared to the impact this is having."
Whatever the airport board does it wants to protect jobs. "It is going to be a challenge," Moncrief said. "We've got 1800 folks out there. We've got people who are dependent on us making decisions that are going to help them keep their jobs and help them support their own families."
The airport board meets Thursday to discuss its $700-million budget.
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